to suppress or destroy something, such as an idea or movement, in its early stages

to suppress or crush something abstract, such as opinions, growth, or creativity

to wring one's hands (expressing regret, despair, or indignation)

brief and hitting the essential points; to the point

brief and to the point; concise and capturing the essence

to control, check, or hold back something through force, pressure, or strategic positioning

to hold or guard a strategic location or mountain pass

to firmly hold or grasp something, often used in the context of holding someone's throat or neck with force.

to secure a stranglehold; fig. to hold a strategic pass

to squeeze the neck or throat of someone, typically to kill or choke them

to occupy all key strategic points or control vital positions in a military context