be down on (one) like a ton of bricks

be down on (one) like a ton of bricks

slang To punish someone swiftly and harshly. Mom will be down on you like a ton of bricks if you come home past curfew again. When I was caught cheating on a test, the principal was down on me like a ton of bricks.

See also: brick, down, like, of, on, ton

be/come down on somebody like a ton of ˈbricks

(informal) criticize somebody angrily because they have done something wrong: The first time I made a mistake, he came down on me like a ton of bricks. ♢ If I find anyone drunk in this factory I’ll be down on them like a ton of bricks.

See also: brick, come, down, like, of, on, somebody, ton