put the frighteners on someone
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To intimidate or coerce someone using threats of violence.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
That scumbag still owes me five grand. Send Billy round to put the frighteners on him.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “put the frighteners on someone” mean?
To intimidate or coerce someone using threats of violence.
Is “put the frighteners on someone” formal or informal?
put the frighteners on someone is generally slang.