expression, godan verb (-su)
crack down on; deal a crushing blow; bring down the hammer
Figurative expression meaning to take severe punitive or decisive action, often by an authority. Conveys an image of striking with an iron hammer.
政府は汚職に鉄槌を下すと宣言した。
The government declared it would crack down on corruption.
裁
The court dealt a crushing blow to the illegal activities.