clamp down on
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words
To start being very strict about something, using rules or force to stop it happening
Literal meaning: A clamp grips something tightly and presses it down — 'clamping down on' something means pressing hard to stop it from moving or continuing
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To take strict measures to control or suppress an illegal or undesirable activity
"The government has announced plans to clamp down on tax evasion by wealthy individuals."
"Police have vowed to clamp down on antisocial behaviour in the city centre."
— BBC News (common recurring headline phrasing, various dates)
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Commonly used in political, journalistic, and institutional contexts. The subject is usually an authority (government, police, school) and the object is the behaviour or problem being restricted. Very common in news headlines. The image is of a clamp tightening to hold something firmly in place.
Commonly used with
crime corruption protests tax evasion immigration speeding
Forms
Base
clamp down on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
clamps down on
he/she/it
Past simple
clamped down on
yesterday
Past participle
clamped down on
have + pp
-ing form
clamping down on
continuous
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