come down on (someone or something)

1. To scold or reprimand someone harshly. It was a mistake, so don't come down on him too hard, OK? I know I didn't do well on the exam, but I didn't expect my dad to come down on me so hard about it—he grounded me for a month! Man, the boss is gonna really come down on us when he finds out we lost that big account.

2. To establish one's opinion or view as being in support of a particular side of an issue. And where do you come down on this issue, sir? I think the jury is going to come down on the side of the plaintiff. Yeah, like a politician is going to definitively tell you where he comes down on this very polarizing issue. Right.

3. To actively oppose someone or something or attempt to prevent or abolish something. This issue is unjust, and as your mayor I promise to come down on it. After years of leniency, the school is going to finally come down on plagiarism. The government has announced its plans to come down on people taking advantage of the social welfare system.

come down on

Also, come down upon.

1. Also, come down hard on. Punish or reprimand severely. For example, My professor is going to come down on me for not completing the paper, or The judge promised to come down hard on drug dealers. [Early 1600s] Also see like a ton of bricks.

2. Oppose, voice one's opposition, as in The President came down on the new budget cuts, promising to veto them. [Late 1800s]

3. come down on the side of. Make a choice or decision in favor of, plump for, as in I'll come down on the side of those who are needy.

come down on

To punish, oppose, or reprimand severely and often with force: a district attorney who came down hard on drug dealers.