Crack the whip

Meaning

Use authority to ensure discipline or faster work.

Usage

Often used when urgency increases.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

From the sound of a whip being cracked to drive animals or workers; the exact origin is uncertain.

In English since the 19th century.