a turn of the screw

turn of the screw

Something that worsens an already difficult or negative situation. Seeing my ex-boyfriend with his new girlfriend is just another turn of the screw. My financial situation is already dire, so that traffic ticket is a real turn of the screw.
See also: of, screw, turn
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a (final or last) turn of the screw

an additional amount of pressure or hardship applied to a situation that is already extremely difficult to bear. informal
See also: of, screw, turn
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

a ˌturn of the ˈscrew

another problem or difficulty added to a situation which is already very bad: In this recession a rise in interest rates is just another turn of the screw for businesses.This idiom refers to a method of torturing people. Thumbscrews were used to crush people’s thumbs, and turning them tightened them.
See also: of, screw, turn
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • turn of the screw
  • retreat
  • beat a (hasty) retreat
  • beat a hasty retreat
  • beat a retreat
  • hasty
  • have a run-in
  • have a run-in with (someone)
  • have a run-in with somebody
  • have a run-in with someone/something