BusinessSeptember 6, 2026

clampdown

KLAMP-down

Definition

A concerted or severe effort to restrict, regulate, or suppress a specific activity.

Etymology

Derived from the verb 'clamp,' meaning to fasten or hold tightly, combined with 'down.' It entered English in the early 20th century to describe the act of forcefully exerting control or imposing strict limits.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe a government effort to restrict the number of houses of multiple occupation (HMOs), which impacts the rental housing supply.

Government reveals timetable for mandatory short lets scheme

Read the full article ↗

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