Joe's parents came down hard on him when they learned he had been suspended from school.The judge came down hard on the crooks.
come down hard on (someone or something)
1. To treat someone strictly or with severe reproach. I know I didn't do well on the exam, but I didn't expect my dad to come down so hard on me about it—he grounded me for a month!
2. To fall and land heavily on something, often a body part. Is she OK? She really came down hard on her knee.
come down hard on someone
in. to scold someone; to punish someone severely. Joe’s parents came down hard on him when they learned he had been suspended from school.