To force, challenge, or require (a person) to do something indicated by the context. Usually in passive.

to hold (also put) a pistol to (also at) (a person's) head: to coerce or attempt to coerce (a person).

To constrain by force (whether physical or moral); to compel; to overcome the resistance of. to force (one's) hand: to compel one to act prematurely…

to twist(someone's) arm: to force or persuade someone to do something. Also used jocularly when no coercion is needed, esp. with reference to…