turn of the screw
One step in a gradual imposition of restrictions.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The new rules are just another turn of the screw for us.”
“Management tightened the budget again, which felt like another turn of the screw for the already overworked staff.”
“With each successive policy change, the government applied another turn of the screw, further restricting the freedoms of the local population.”
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Buggins's turn
A humorous, disparaging term for the appointment of a person by rotation or promotion, on the basis of length of service (it being that person's "turn") rather than merit or level of qualification.
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everything one touches turns to gold
Everything someone uses or does succeeds or becomes better.
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everything one touches turns to shit
Everything someone uses or does fails or becomes worse.
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good turn
A good deed; a thoughtful or selfless act.
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left turn
An unexpected change from the way things seemed to be going.
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poacher turned gamekeeper
A person now charged with protecting what they formerly preyed upon.
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put the screws
To apply pressure and coercion.
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screw it
Expression of frustration or contempt.
Last updated August 10, 2026