Crack down

usgb
phrasal verb

To start dealing with someone or something much more strictly.

The police are cracking down on speeding in school zones.
Visual representation of "crack down" - To start dealing with someone or something much more strictly

Often appears as...

  • crack down on crime
  • crack down on corruption

Usage tips

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "crack down"
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Context Matters

Use 'crack down' in situations where authority is taking action against rules being broken.

Illustration for Context Matters
School administrators will crack down on cheating during exams.
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Consequence Connotation

'Crack down' suggests there will be consequences for wrongdoing, usually enforced by authority.

Illustration for Consequence Connotation
To prevent accidents, city officials cracked down on jaywalking with fines.
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Action Intensity

'Crack down' implies a sudden or increased intensity in enforcement rather than a gentle approach.

Illustration for Action Intensity
After the riot, the police cracked down on crowd control to restore order.
Visual representation of the word "Crack down"

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