put the squeeze on someone/something

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
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

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.
See also:
  • put the squeeze on
  • put the squeeze on (one)
  • put the squeeze on somebody
  • put the squeeze on someone
  • squeeze
  • go through hoops
  • jump through a hoop
  • jump through hoops
  • in debt
  • crush (something) out of (someone or something)