clamp down
phrase · Collocation / phrase C1
Plain meaning
to take strong action to stop or control something
Exam-register meaning
In academic or exam contexts, it means to take strong action to stop or control something, usually in a more formal register.
In context
naturalThe discussion gave us a useful example of clamp down.
examPolicy makers must consider clamp down when evaluating long-term social and economic outcomes.
Common collocations
clamp downa clear example of clamp downuse clamp down appropriately
Watch out
Do not change the key word order in “clamp down”; collocations sound natural because the words travel together.