crack down on

[kræk daʊn ɑn]

phrasal verb

reprimir; coibir; fazer uma ação enérgica contra

1. to take stern measures against someone or something; to enforce rules or laws more strictly

The government is cracking down on illegal immigration.

O governo está reprimindo a imigração ilegal.

2. to suppress or put an end to an activity, often by using force or strict enforcement

Police will crack down on speeding in school zones.

A polícia vai coibir o excesso de velocidade em zonas escolares.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

reprimir; coibir; tomar medidas severas contra

Most common usage across Brazil

Rio de Janeiro

reprimir; apertar

Colloquial use of 'apertar' (tighten) common in speech

São Paulo

reprimir; coibir; fazer uma ação enérgica

Formal and business contexts prefer 'ação enérgica'

Portugal

reprimir; agir com firmeza contra; travar

'Travar' used in more colloquial contexts

lay down the law

come down hard on someone

take a hard line on

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