Crack down
phrasal verb
To start dealing with someone or something much more strictly.
The police are cracking down on speeding in school zones.
Often appears as...
- crack down on crime
- crack down on corruption
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To take severe measures against; to come down hard.
The government is cracking down on tax evaders.
Often appears as...
- crack down on illegal activities
- crack down on protesters
phrasal verb
To start dealing with someone or something much more strictly.
The police are cracking down on speeding in school zones.
Often appears as...
- crack down on crime
- crack down on corruption
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To take severe measures against; to come down hard.
The government is cracking down on tax evaders.
Often appears as...
- crack down on illegal activities
- crack down on protesters
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Context Matters
Use 'crack down' in situations where authority is taking action against rules being broken.
School administrators will crack down on cheating during exams.
Pro Tip 2/3Consequence Connotation
'Crack down' suggests there will be consequences for wrongdoing, usually enforced by authority.
To prevent accidents, city officials cracked down on jaywalking with fines.
Pro Tip 3/3Action Intensity
'Crack down' implies a sudden or increased intensity in enforcement rather than a gentle approach.
After the riot, the police cracked down on crowd control to restore order.
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