The boss is putting the screws on us to finish early.
put the screws
idiomTo apply pressure and coercion.
The bank is putting the screws on the business owner to pay back the loan immediately.
By threatening to cut off their funding, the committee put the screws on the researchers to produce results before the end of the year.
- 01
not to put too fine a point on it
Used to apologize for a possibly impolite statement one is making; to put it bluntly; to express it in plain terms.
- 02
put a band-aid on a bullet wound
To inadequately treat a serious situation.
- 03
put a blanket over
Make (something) seem less serious.
- 04
put a bug in someone's ear
To make a small suggestion or give a hint that causes the listener to act.
- 05
put a damper on
To stop people from enjoying an activity.
- 06
put a foot wrong
To make a mistake.
- 07
put a gun to someone's head
To compel someone (to do something); to create a situation in which someone has no alternative course of action.
- 08
put a hat on a hat
To do something unnecessary, to go over the top
Last updated April 17, 2026