A turn of the screw
noun
An action that makes a bad situation worse.
The tax increase was a turn of the screw for small businesses already struggling with the recession.
Often appears as...
- apply a turn of the screw
- each turn of the screw
Usage tips
Idiomatic
noun
Increasing the pressure or intensity of something.
The management is applying a turn of the screw to its employees to increase their efficiency.
Often appears as...
- another turn of the screw
- apply a turn of the screw
Usage tips
Idiomatic
noun
An action that makes a bad situation worse.
The tax increase was a turn of the screw for small businesses already struggling with the recession.
Often appears as...
- apply a turn of the screw
- each turn of the screw
Usage tips
Idiomatic
noun
Increasing the pressure or intensity of something.
The management is applying a turn of the screw to its employees to increase their efficiency.
Often appears as...
- another turn of the screw
- apply a turn of the screw
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Spiral
Refers to a series of events that exacerbate a difficult situation, like a vicious cycle.
Each delay was another turn of the screw, making the project's failure more likely.
Pro Tip 2/3Intensity of Harm
Each use implies an intensification of harm or difficulty, not just a general worsening.
Losing their biggest client was a severe turn of the screw for the company.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Weight
The phrase can carry emotional weight, suggesting psychological stress or despair.
The news of the lawsuit was a heavy turn of the screw.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Spiral
Refers to a series of events that exacerbate a difficult situation, like a vicious cycle.
Each delay was another turn of the screw, making the project's failure more likely.
Pro Tip 2/3Intensity of Harm
Each use implies an intensification of harm or difficulty, not just a general worsening.
Losing their biggest client was a severe turn of the screw for the company.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Weight
The phrase can carry emotional weight, suggesting psychological stress or despair.
The news of the lawsuit was a heavy turn of the screw.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Spiral
Refers to a series of events that exacerbate a difficult situation, like a vicious cycle.
Each delay was another turn of the screw, making the project's failure more likely.
Pro Tip 2/3Intensity of Harm
Each use implies an intensification of harm or difficulty, not just a general worsening.
Losing their biggest client was a severe turn of the screw for the company.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Weight
The phrase can carry emotional weight, suggesting psychological stress or despair.
The news of the lawsuit was a heavy turn of the screw.
Never forget "A turn of the screw"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension