締しめ上あげる

ichidan verb, transitive verb

tighten firmly; constrict; squeeze; bind; wring; screw in

Physical action of tightening something strongly, often around a neck, throat, or joint; also used for screwing in a bulb or wringing cloth.

• 犯はん人にんは被ひ害がい者しゃの首くびを締しめ上あげた。

  The culprit tightened his grip around the victim's neck.

• 電でん球きゅうをソケットにしっかり締しめ上あげてください。

  Please screw the bulb firmly into the socket.

ichidan verb, transitive verb

press strongly; crack down on; pursue relentlessly; keep under strict control

Only when written 締め上げる

Figurative use: to put intense pressure on someone, often in interrogation, discipline, or strict management. Restricted to 締め上げる spelling.

• 上じょう司しは部ぶ下かを締しめ上あげて、ミスの原げん因いんを問といただした。

  The boss pressed his subordinate hard and demanded the cause of the mistake.

• 警けい察さつは容よう疑ぎ者しゃを締しめ上あげて自じ白はくさせようとした。

  The police tried to crack down on the suspect and force a confession.

ichidan verb, transitive verb

settle accounts; collect debts

Only when written 締め上げる

Rare, specific use: to forcefully collect money or settle financial matters. Restricted to 締め上げる spelling.

• 借しゃっ金きん取とりが来きて、彼かれを締しめ上あげて金かねを払はらわせた。

  A debt collector came and squeezed him to pay up.