The boss turns the screw to make us work faster.
turn the screw
idiomTo increase the pressure of a situation.
The bank decided to turn the screw by raising interest rates, making it much harder for the small business to pay back its loans.
By restricting the supply of essential materials, the government continued to turn the screw on the opposition, forcing them to accept the unfavorable terms of the agreement.
- 01
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.
- 02
good turn
A good deed; a thoughtful or selfless act.
- 03
left turn
An unexpected change from the way things seemed to be going.
- 04
screw it
Expression of frustration or contempt.
- 05
screw off
To fail to do one's work; to goof off.
- 06
screw the pooch
to make a large mistake, to fail in dramatic and ignominious fashion.
- 07
screw this
A much less offensive version of fuck this.
- 08
screw you
less offensive version of fuck you.