put the screws

Put the screws is an idiom that dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is believed to have originated in the field of mechanical engineering, specifically in the use of screws to fasten or tighten objects. This idiom is often used figuratively, to mean putting pressure on someone or exerting influence to make them comply with one's demands or wishes. The word "screws" in this context can be seen as a metaphor for the application of force, similar to turning a screw to tighten or secure something.

The idiom "put the screws" is commonly used in informal or colloquial speech, and can be found in both American and British English. It is typically used in phrases such as "put the screws on" or "put the screws to," indicating a deliberate act of exerting pressure or influence on someone. This can take the form of threats, intimidation, coercion, or any other means of forcing compliance. The phrase is often used to describe situations where someone is being compelled to reveal information or perform a certain action against their will.

The idiom "pull strings" is also related to the concept of manipulation and exerting influence to achieve a desired outcome. However, unlike "put the screws," this idiom suggests a more subtle and strategic approach. To "pull strings" means to use one's connections or influence to make things happen or gain an advantage. It is a way of navigating through social or professional networks to achieve one's goals, making it a related idiom in terms of the theme of influence and control.

Similarly, the phrase "put the hammer down" can be related to the idiom "put the screws." "Put the hammer down" is an expression that describes a forceful and decisive action being taken, often in a situation where there is little room for negotiation. It implies a sense of urgency and finality, similar to the idea of exerting pressure or influence as conveyed by "putting the screws on."

The idiom "put the screws" originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, likely in the fields of mechanical engineering or criminal underworld slang. It is often used to describe the act of exerting pressure or influence on someone, typically through threats, intimidation, or coercion. The related idioms "put a gun to someone's head," "long screwdriver," "pull strings," "put the hammer down," and "pull teeth" all share a common theme of manipulation, control, and exerting pressure in different contexts. While the exact origins of these idioms may be uncertain, they continue to be commonly used expressions that convey various aspects of influence and control in both American and British English.