crack down
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle down
Meanings
Take strict action against bad behaviour
Why “down”? Something is pressed down and kept from rising again.
“Police are cracking down on speeding.”
“The council cracked down on illegal dumping.”
Don't confuse with
Crack down means take strict action against bad behaviour. Crack on means continue working hard, often after a break.
Test yourself
“Police are cracking down on speeding.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
crack on
A contrast learners often mix up
Continue working hard, often after a break
bog down
Same down pattern: pressure
Slow or get stuck
bring down
Same down pattern: pressure
Cause something to fall or land; Make something lower in level or amount; Cause a government or leader to lose power; Make someone feel sad or depressed
clamp down
Same down pattern: pressure
Impose strict control
face down
Same down pattern: pressure
Confront a challenge or opponent directly
hold down
Same down pattern: pressure
Keep someone or something restrained
hunker down
Same down pattern: pressure
Take cover; settle in low
keep down
Same down pattern: pressure
Prevent from rising or escaping
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