Definition & Meaning of "[put] the squeeze on {sb}"

What is the origin of the idiom "put the squeeze on someone" and when to use it?

The idiom "put the squeeze on someone" likely derives from the imagery of physically applying pressure or squeezing something tightly. The word "squeeze" itself has been used metaphorically for a long time to convey the idea of putting pressure on someone or something. The phrase may have originated from the concept of extracting juice or liquid by applying pressure, suggesting the act of extracting something from someone through coercion or manipulation. It is often employed in discussions involving power dynamics, negotiations, or situations where one party seeks to gain an advantage or manipulate another.