hold someone or something to ransom
hold (one) to ransom
To demand something or some action from someone by threatening them with a harmful consequence if they do not comply. Threatening us with a fine if we don't participate in the survey is a bit like holding us to ransom, isn't it?
See also: hold, ransom
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
hold someone or something to ransom
1 hold someone prisoner and demand payment for their release. 2 demand concessions from a person or organization by threatening damaging action.See also: hold, ransom, someone, something
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- hold (one) to ransom
- hold somebody to ransom
- hold someone to ransom
- ransom
- call the dogs off
- blackmail
- blackmail (someone) into (something)
- blackmail into doing
- make with
- make with the (something)