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."
separable
clap on
B2 informal separable transitive
To put or fasten something onto something else quickly and decisively.
In plain English
To quickly put something onto something.
What does "clap on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To strike (clap) something so that it lands on a surface.
Actually means
To quickly put something onto something.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "clap on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
handcuffs lid hat sail tax surcharge
How to conjugate "clap on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "clap on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "clap on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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