# crack down

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/crack-down
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To take harsh action (against), as when enforcing a law more stringently than before.

## Examples

- The police will crack down on drivers who speed.
- The city decided to crack down on illegal parking after residents complained about blocked driveways.
- Following a series of security breaches, the administration resolved to crack down on unauthorized access to the sensitive research laboratory.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.