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clamp down on

[/klæmp daʊn ɒn/]
phrasal verb
reprimir; apertar o cerco sobre; intensificar a repressão contra
1. To take strict action against someone or something; to suppress or restrict severely
The government is clamping down on illegal immigration.
O governo está intensificando a repressão contra a imigração ilegal.
2. To enforce rules or regulations more strictly
The school decided to clamp down on bullying.
A escola decidiu intensificar as medidas contra o bullying.
3. To reduce or eliminate something unwanted
Police are clamping down on speeding in school zones.
A polícia está reforçando a fiscalização de velocidade nas zonas escolares.
NYC Slang
crack down; put the hammer down
Synonyms
crack down onsuppressrestricttighten controls onenforce stricter rules
Antonyms
ease up onrelax restrictions onloosen controls onpermit

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
apertar o cerco contra; reprimir; intensificar a repressão
Commonly used in news and formal contexts
São Paulo
apertar a fiscalização; fazer valer a lei
Often used regarding police enforcement
Portugal
apertar o cerco; reprimir; intensificar medidas contra
Standard usage in Portuguese media

Related Idioms & Phrases

under the hammer
put the screws on
tighten the screws
put the squeeze on
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