I hope, outside of public/media view, LE is putting/tightening the screws on/to each and everyone of these despicable family members and potentially criminal friends!
JMO: At this point with this frustrating and dragged out case, I wouldn't even mind if LE used the "usage notes" version of the phrase:
JMO: At this point with this frustrating and dragged out case, I wouldn't even mind if LE used the "usage notes" version of the phrase:
put the screws on somebody (informal) to use force or threats to make someone do what you want
Usage notes: In the past, screws or thumbscrews were devices used to hurt people
by crushing their thumbs in order to force them to do something.
http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/put+the+screws+on
* * *
When a victim refused to reveal sensitive information, he or she would be subject to the thumbscrew.
The victim's hands were placed in the device and the torturer would crush the victim's fingers slowly.
http://medieval-castles.org/index.php/thumbscrew_torture
Usage notes: In the past, screws or thumbscrews were devices used to hurt people
by crushing their thumbs in order to force them to do something.
http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/put+the+screws+on
* * *
When a victim refused to reveal sensitive information, he or she would be subject to the thumbscrew.
The victim's hands were placed in the device and the torturer would crush the victim's fingers slowly.
http://medieval-castles.org/index.php/thumbscrew_torture