1. Home
  2. Education
  3. English as 2nd Language
crack the whip
<Back to Last Page>     <Idiomatic English Glossary - C>

Definition: make someone work hard; push workers to produce more

Explanation: Used when speaking about an employer or boss who pushes his / her employees to the extreme.

Examples: He's always cracking the whip no matter how much we produce. - I'm afraid I had to crack the whip to get anything done.

Related Resources:

Vocabulary Reference and Exercises
Guide to the extensive vocabulary resources on this site

Vocabulary Quizzes
Test and expand your vocabulary understanding

Phrasal Verb Reference
Learn the most important phrasal verbs

<Back to Last Page>     <Idiomatic English Glossary - C>

Explore English as 2nd Language

About.com Special Features

A Smarter Future

Tips that will help finance your education, excel in the classroom, and advance your career. More >

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. English as 2nd Language

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.