[come] down on {sb} like a ton of bricks

to punish someone in a manner more violent or severe than they deserve

The idiom "come down on someone like a ton of bricks" likely originated from the imagery of a heavy and forceful object falling abruptly, symbolizing a sudden and severe reaction or punishment. This expression is primarily used to emphasize the swiftness and intensity of the consequences that one might face when confronted with disapproval or discipline.

When the employee was caught stealing office supplies, the manager came down on him like a ton of bricks, leading to immediate termination.
After breaking the rules repeatedly, the student knew the teacher would come down on him like a ton of bricks if he didn't change his behavior.
The company's reputation was at stake, and the CEO warned the marketing team that any misleading advertisement would make the public relations team come down on them like a ton of bricks.
Aware of the potential consequences, Mark hesitated to criticize the boss's decision, fearing that management would come down on him like a ton of bricks.
The coach made it clear that any player caught violating team rules would come down on them like a ton of bricks, jeopardizing their position in the starting lineup.