"Putting the squeeze on" is an idiomatic expression that means to apply pressure or force to achieve a desired outcome. The word "squeeze" is spelled /skwiːz/ in IPA phonetic transcription; the beginning sound /sk/ is produced by the combination of the letters "sq," and the vowel sound in the second syllable is pronounced as a long "e." The spelling accurately reflects the pronunciation of the word, which emphasizes the pressure and confinement associated with squeezing.
Putting the squeeze on is a idiomatic expression that refers to the act of applying pressure or force to someone or something in order to obtain what one desires or to gain an advantage over them. It involves exerting control or influence over a person, organization, or situation in a way that limits their options or forces them to comply with certain demands.
This phrase commonly conveys a sense of coercion, manipulation, or exploitation through the use of various tactics or strategies. It often implies that the person or entity being squeezed is facing difficult circumstances, struggling to fulfill the demands imposed on them, or experiencing a loss of freedom, power, or resources.
The act of putting the squeeze on can take different forms depending on the context. It might involve applying economic pressure through financial constraints, such as increasing prices, reducing funding, or imposing strict regulations. It can also involve leveraging social, political, or personal influence to manipulate a situation or coerce someone into doing something they would not otherwise do.
Overall, putting the squeeze on is about exerting control or influence to achieve one's objectives by putting pressure on others or by creating challenging circumstances that limit their choices. This term captures the notion of aggressively pursuing one's interests at the expense of others' well-being or autonomy, often highlighting the potentially unfair or coercive nature of such tactics.