clamp (redirected from clamped down)

clamp something on(to) something and clamp something on

to press or squeeze something onto something else. Clamp this board onto the workbench. Clear a place near the edge of the table, and then clamp on the meat grinder.

clamp down (on someone or something)

to become strict with someone; to become strict about something. Because Bob's grades were getting worse, his parents clamped down on him. The police have clamped down on speeders in this town.

put the clamps on someone or something and put the clamps on

Sl. to impede or block someone or something; to restrain or restrict someone. Fred had to put the clamps on Tony, who was rushing his work too much. Tony is getting a little anxious. Time to put on the clamps.

See also: put

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clamp down on something

to act to stop or limit something Police here have finally clamped down on speeding.