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general::
Phrase(s): put the heat on (someone) [and] put the screws on (someone); put the squeeze on (someone); put the heat on; put the screws on; put the squeeze on
Sl. to put pressure on someone (to do something); to coerce someone. • John wouldn’t talk, so the police were putting the heat on him to confess. • When my boss puts the screws on, he can be very unpleasant. • The police know how to put the squeeze on., Phrase(s): put the heat on
1. to turn on central heating; to increase the amount of heat in a room or house. • It's going to get cold tonight. I'd better put the heat on. • Let's put on the heat to take off the chill. 2. Go to put the heat on (someone).
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs