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crack down

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crack down (on someone or something)

to put limits on someone or something; to become strict about enforcing rules about someone or something. The police cracked down on the street gangs. They cracked down once last year too.

See also: crack, down

crack down (on somebody/something)

to take strong action to stop something bad from continuing The university is taking steps to crack down on underage drinking on campus. Countries that used to ignore terrorist groups in their midst are starting to crack down.

See also: crack, down

crack down

Act more forcefully to regulate, repress, or restrain. For example, The police cracked down on speeding. [1930s]

See also: crack, down

crack down

v.

1. To increase the intensity or severity involved in preventing or regulating something: The police are cracking down on drunk driving and issuing stiffer penalties. The police cracked down after the murder last week.

2. To increase the intensity or severity involved in punishing or repressing someone: The government has cracked down on protesters.

See also: crack, down