put the squeeze on (one)

put the squeeze on (one)

1. To pressure one to do something. We need to put the squeeze on those guys so that they finally pay their debt to us.
2. To create challenges or problems for one. The way house prices have been climbing in this neighborhood is really putting the squeeze on first-time buyers.
See also: on, put, squeeze

squeeze

1. slang One's romantic partner, especially in a new relationship; one's sweetheart. Have you met Jennifer's new squeeze? He's quite the hunk! Leia is his main squeeze—they've been dating for a few months now.
2. dated slang An alcoholic drink made by straining Sterno (a brand of jellied denatured alcohol used as a portable cooking fuel) through a cheesecloth or similar loose-woven fabric and mixing the result with juice. The homeless man had to be hospitalized after suffering the poisonous effects of drinking squeeze.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

put the squeeze on someone

 
1. Inf. to attempt to get money out of someone. The mob put the squeeze on all the merchants, threatening to break their windows if they didn't pay. Are you trying to put the squeeze on me for more money?
2. Go to put the heat on (someone).
See also: on, put, squeeze
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

put the squeeze on someone/something

INFORMAL
1. If a person or a situation puts the squeeze on someone or something, they cause difficulties or pressure for them. Retailers and banks have put the squeeze on credit card fraud. Two government reforms have put the squeeze on consultants who rely on private work to push up their incomes.
2. If someone puts the squeeze on you, they try to make you give them money. He put the squeeze on Diana for £1,000.
See also: on, put, someone, something, squeeze
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

put the squeeze on someone

coerce or pressurize someone. informal
1993 Jonathon Green It: Sex Since the Sixties One day two characters walked into my studio and tried to put the squeeze on me for protection money.
See also: on, put, someone, squeeze
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

put the ˈsqueeze on somebody (to do something)

(informal) put pressure on somebody to act in a particular way; make a situation difficult for somebody: Rising fuel prices are putting the squeeze on farmers and transport businesses.
See also: on, put, somebody, squeeze
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

put the squeeze on someone

verb
See put the screws on someone
See also: on, put, someone, squeeze

squeeze

1. n. liquor. (see also grape(s).) Let’s stop on the way and get some squeeze.
2. tv. to put pressure on someone. The mob began to squeeze Bart for money.
3. n. a tight situation; a situation where pressure is felt. When the squeeze is over, we’ll be able to get squared away.
4. n. one’s lover. (see also main squeeze.) I’ll see if my squeeze wants to go.
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • put the squeeze on
  • put the squeeze on somebody
  • put the squeeze on someone
  • put the squeeze on someone/something
  • squeeze
  • go through hoops
  • jump through a hoop
  • jump through hoops
  • in debt
  • crush (something) out of (someone or something)