come down on
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come down on (someone or something)
1. To scold or reprimand someone harshly. It was a mistake, so don't come down on him too hard, OK?
2. To establish one's opinion or view as being in support of a particular side of an issue. And where do you come down on this issue, sir? I think the jury is going to come down on the side of the plaintiff.
3. To actively oppose someone or something or attempt to prevent or abolish something. This issue is unjust, and as your mayor I promise to come down on it.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
come down on
Also, come down upon.
1. Also, come down hard on. Punish or reprimand severely. For example, My professor is going to come down on me for not completing the paper, or The judge promised to come down hard on drug dealers. [Early 1600s] Also see like a ton of bricks.
2. Oppose, voice one's opposition, as in The President came down on the new budget cuts, promising to veto them. [Late 1800s]
3. come down on the side of. Make a choice or decision in favor of, plump for, as in I'll come down on the side of those who are needy.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
come down on
To punish, oppose, or reprimand severely and often with force: a district attorney who came down hard on drug dealers.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.