lower the boom

idiom

Meaning

To use one's superior physical strength.

Examples

SIMPLE

The coach will lower the boom on the opposing team.

CONTEXTUAL

When the defender saw an opening, he lowered the boom to stop the runner.

COMPLEX

The veteran linebacker waited for the perfect moment to lower the boom, effectively ending the opponent's final drive.

Anchors to

Related idioms2entries

01
lower one's sights
to lower one's expectations and accept less than one was hoping for or striving toward
02
lower the bar
to lower the standards of quality that are expected of or required for something.

© 2026 English Reference