The phrase "puts squeeze on" is commonly used to describe adding pressure or making things difficult for someone. The word "squeeze" is spelled with a voiced alveolar fricative "z" sound (/z/) and a voiced palato-alveolar fricative "zh" sound (/ʒ/), indicating the pronunciation of "skwee-zh." The word "puts" is spelled with a voiceless bilabial stop "p" sound (/p/) and a voiced alveolar fricative "z" sound (/z/), indicating the pronunciation of "puh-ts." Together, the phrase is pronounced as "puh-ts skwee-zh on."
To put a squeeze on someone or something is an idiomatic expression that refers to the act of exerting pressure or applying force to achieve a desired outcome or advantage. It is often used to describe situations where an individual or group seeks to control or manipulate another party by creating difficult circumstances or imposing restrictive conditions.
Putting a squeeze on someone typically involves employing various tactics to make their situation increasingly challenging or uncomfortable. This can include increasing financial demands, creating obstacles or barriers, applying stricter rules or regulations, or using intimidation and coercion to limit options and alternatives. The ultimate aim is to limit the freedom or ability of the individual or entity being squeezed, forcing them to comply, yield, or make concessions.
The phrase can also be applied in a broader context, such as when describing the actions of a government or organization that seeks to gain an advantage over rivals or competitors. In these cases, putting a squeeze on can involve implementing policies or strategies that undermine the competition, create barriers to entry, or limit access to resources or markets.
Overall, putting a squeeze on someone or something implies a deliberate and calculated effort to gain control, superiority, or advantage by exerting pressure, imposing constraints, or creating unfavorable circumstances.