clap on
B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To quickly put something onto something.
Literal meaning: To strike (clap) something so that it lands on a surface.
Meanings
1 B2 informal
To place or fasten something onto someone or something quickly and firmly.
"The officer clapped the handcuffs on the suspect before he could resist."
Grammar: separable
2 C1
idiomatic
informal
To impose something, such as a tax, fine, or restriction, suddenly or forcefully.
"The government clapped a new tariff on imported steel overnight."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Often used with handcuffs, a lid, a tax, or a hat. Also appears in the nautical phrase 'clap on more sail.' The sense of speed and decisiveness is central to the meaning.
Commonly used with
handcuffs lid hat sail tax surcharge
Forms
Base
clap on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
claps on
he/she/it
Past simple
claped on
yesterday
Past participle
claped on
have + pp
-ing form
claping on
continuous
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