Crack the whip
verb
To exert control or use authority to make others work harder or behave.
The project is falling behind schedule, so the boss had to crack the whip to get everyone working efficiently.
Often appears as...
- boss cracking the whip
- crack the whip on
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To start something quickly or suddenly.
With the concert only a week away, it was time to crack the whip on rehearsals.
Often appears as...
- crack the whip on
- time to crack the whip
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To exert control or use authority to make others work harder or behave.
The project is falling behind schedule, so the boss had to crack the whip to get everyone working efficiently.
Often appears as...
- boss cracking the whip
- crack the whip on
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To start something quickly or suddenly.
With the concert only a week away, it was time to crack the whip on rehearsals.
Often appears as...
- crack the whip on
- time to crack the whip
Usage tips
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Assertive Tone
Using the phrase often implies strong authority and can be seen as dominating or forceful.
The team leader decided to crack the whip during the meeting to ensure deadlines were met.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
The phrase is metaphorical and doesn't involve an actual whip; it's about pushing for more effort.
As the team lagged, the manager had to metaphorically crack the whip to boost productivity.
Pro Tip 3/3Potentially Negative
Be cautious, as it can be received negatively, like you're treating people harshly.
When she started cracking the whip, some staff felt she was being too aggressive.
Pro Tip 1/3Assertive Tone
Using the phrase often implies strong authority and can be seen as dominating or forceful.
The team leader decided to crack the whip during the meeting to ensure deadlines were met.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
The phrase is metaphorical and doesn't involve an actual whip; it's about pushing for more effort.
As the team lagged, the manager had to metaphorically crack the whip to boost productivity.
Pro Tip 3/3Potentially Negative
Be cautious, as it can be received negatively, like you're treating people harshly.
When she started cracking the whip, some staff felt she was being too aggressive.
Pro Tip 1/3Assertive Tone
Using the phrase often implies strong authority and can be seen as dominating or forceful.
The team leader decided to crack the whip during the meeting to ensure deadlines were met.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
The phrase is metaphorical and doesn't involve an actual whip; it's about pushing for more effort.
As the team lagged, the manager had to metaphorically crack the whip to boost productivity.
Pro Tip 3/3Potentially Negative
Be cautious, as it can be received negatively, like you're treating people harshly.
When she started cracking the whip, some staff felt she was being too aggressive.
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