Put the screws on

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Meaning

To press or squeeze hard, forcing it.

Origin

From 19th-century America, tied to tools; 'screws' for press, slang by 1880s in a tale for squeeze. A 1890s 'New York Times' uses it for a push.

Variants

  • Screws on

Usage Examples

  • They put the screws on; pay up!
  • Put the screws on; make him talk.
  • Screws on; tight squeeze now.

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