Its only other option would be to tighten the screws further on political freedom.

But instead of any concession, the regime tightened the screws.

Leaders of his own party have been tightening the screws.

Which meant the gods of war were tightening the screws.

Tightening the screws even a fraction of a turn can make a difference.

Until, that is, Parliament tightened the screws with a second tax.

Tightening the screws on taxes can only make matters worse, he said.

The authorities have gradually tightened the screws on the group, and it is not clear if its work can continue.

"And if the government tighten the screws any more, I will go."

"We've got a lot of things to tighten the screws on," he said.