thumbscrews
Medieval torture device
Thumbscrews are a torture device—metal clamps tightened around the thumbs to extract confessions or punish.
Figuratively, to put the thumbscrews on someone is to pressure them intensely: The IRS put the thumbscrews on and he finally paid.
Also a type of screw with a flat-sided head designed for finger-tightening without tools.
Sustained, probing investigation
- interrogationFormal, probing examination
- confessionAdmission of wrongdoing
- medievalOf the Middle Ages
- dungeonSubterranean prison chamber
pain · coercion · rack · iron maiden · torment · executioner · prisoner · agony
Device for holding tight
- viseMounted clamping tool
- screwThreaded metal fastener
- tighteningMaking less loose
- woodworkingCraft of shaping lumber
grip · bolt · compression · adjustment · knurled · wingnut · machinist · lathe
Borrowed capital for amplified returns
- coercionPressured compliance through threats
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
- complianceAdhering to requirements
- persuasionConvincing through reasoning
intimidation · ultimatum · squeeze · arm-twisting · forcing · demands · concession · capitulation
inquisition
Sustained, probing investigation
- interrogationFormal, probing examination
- confessionAdmission of wrongdoing
- medievalOf the Middle Ages
dungeon · pain · coercion · rack · iron maiden · torment · executioner · prisoner · agony · persecution
clamp
Device for holding tight
- viseMounted clamping tool
- screwThreaded metal fastener
- tighteningMaking less loose
woodworking · grip · bolt · compression · adjustment · knurled · wingnut · machinist · lathe · workbench
leverage
Borrowed capital for amplified returns
- coercionPressured compliance through threats
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
- complianceAdhering to requirements
persuasion · intimidation · ultimatum · squeeze · arm-twisting · forcing · demands · concession · capitulation · tactics
- punishmentsjail, prison, timeout, grounded, fine
- torturerack, the rack, iron maiden, waterboarding, flaying
- torture devicesrack, iron maiden, pillory, stocks, brazen bull
- dungeondungeon, oubliette, cell bars, torture chamber, chains
- Inquisitioninquisition, heretic, inquisitors, heretics, heresy trial
- PC casesmid-tower, full tower, mini tower, steel case, test bench
thumbscrewsbalm
Healing topical preparation
salve · anesthesia · painkillers · healing touch · comfort
thumbscrewshex bolts
Threaded fasteners with six-sided heads