Behavior & Approach - Harsh & Strict Treatment

Explore English idioms regarding harsh and strict treatment with examples like "iron fist" and "drive a hard bargain".

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to [take] the bread out of {one's} mouth [phrase]

to deprive people of their most basic means of living, particularly via unfair mathods

Ex:

to [rub] salt (in|into) the wound [phrase]

to make a difficult or painful situation even worse for someone

Ex:

to [drive|strike] a hard bargain [phrase]

to be tough and smart in negotiations, insisting on favorable terms to achieve a favorable outcome for oneself

Ex: She struck a hard bargain with the vendor , managing to get the price of the product reduced by 20 % .

iron fist [noun]

an attitude or approach that is cruel, and often unrestricted

Ex: The principal managed the school with an iron fist , enforcing strict rules and discipline .

to [put] {sb} through hell [phrase]

to cause a person experience great difficulty

Ex: The abusive relationship put her through hell for years , causing both physical and emotional trauma .

to [twist|turn] the knife (in the wound|) [phrase]

to purposefully make someone suffer more than they already do

Ex: He said it was over , and then he turned the knife and said he had never loved me .

heavy hand [noun]

the use of excessive force, control, or authority in a way that can be harsh or oppressive

Ex: In some countries , the government 's heavy hand in controlling the media restricts freedom of speech and information .

iron (hand|fist) in a velvet glove [phrase]

a person who appears gentle and kind on the outside, but they are firm, resolute, and even ruthless in their actions

Ex: The new CEO has a reputation for being an iron hand in a velvet glove ; she 's charming and approachable , but she 's also made some tough decisions to turn the company around .

to [cramp] {one's} style [phrase]

to stop someone from acting freely, creatively, comfortably, or in their usual way

Ex:

Behavior & Approach
Foresight & Prudence	Overreaction	Tact	Being Tactful
Improvisation & Compromise	Behaving Politely	Lack of Care or Consideration	Without Care or Thought
Reacting or Demanding	Conversational Responses	Showing Surprise	Paying or Getting Attention
Not Paying Attention	Offensive Behavior	Reaction & Response	Jealousy & Competition
Harsh & Strict Treatment