How to Pronounce "turn the screw"
expression
ˈtɝn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈskɹu
TURN-thuh-SKROO
tˈɜːn/ /ðə, ði/ /skɹˈuː
TURN-thuh-SKROO
Definition
To increase pressure on someone to get them to do something, often by making conditions more difficult. It can also mean making a situation harder to force a reaction.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈtɝn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈskɹu
British English
tˈɜːn/ /ðə, ði/ /skɹˈuː
Simplified Pronunciation
US
TURN-thuh-SKROO
UK
TURN-thuh-SKROO
Listen in Context
The coach turned the screw when the team was losing.
My parents turned the screw to make me study harder.
Management turned the screw on workers to meet the deadline.
When negotiations stalled, the company turned the screw by threatening layoffs.