come down on

1. 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 .

2. Oppose, voice one's opposition, as in The President came down on the new budget cuts, promising to veto them . [Late 1800s]

3. 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 .

Idioms and Phrases

Also, come down upon .

Related Words

• jump on
• scold