Turn the screws.
to increase pressure on someone
The phrase 'turn the screws' evokes an image of tightening a screw, increasing the pressure just as effectively. When used figuratively, it means to compel someone to act or to concede by increasing pressure or leveraging more force. This could be through raising stakes in negotiations, adding more responsibilities to enforce a decision at work, or even in a personal setting where demands or threats are used as a means to gain compliance or resolve. It demonstrates how pressure, when applied strategically, can lead to desired outcomes or hasten decision-making.
Example Sentences
They plan to turn the screws on the competition.
They intend to apply more pressure on their competitors.
Don't turn the screws too tight on the project timeline.
Don't apply too much pressure on the project deadlines.
Management decided to turn the screws on underperforming teams.
Management decided to increase the pressure on teams that weren’t performing well.
