Glossary entry (derived from question below)
Russian term or phrase:
всех зажал так, что не пикнут
English translation:
kept everyone on a tight leash
Russian term
Medical and Legal Translations
Native in: Russian 
Works in: English to Russian, French to Russian, German to Russian, and 9 more.
всех зажал так, что не пикнут
Один всех зажал так, что не пикнут, другой всех распустил.
Thank you.
Aug 10, 2009 14:35: Mark Berelekhis changed "Field" from "Other" to "Bus/Financial"
Proposed translations
United States
Exemplary quality, truly bilingual
Native in: Russian , English
Works in: Russian to English, English to Russian, English
kept everyone on a tight leash
United States
ATA-certified: literary, medical, SEO
Native in: Russian
Works in: English to Russian, Russian to English, Ukrainian to English
made them walk on the eggshells
United Kingdom
Professional translator since 1991
Native in: English
Works in: Russian to English
had such a hold over them all that never a sound was heard
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Note added at 1 hr (2009-07-24 10:29:39 GMT)
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Yes, I think your option would be closer to the original
| Would "that not a squeak was heard" be too literate, Simon ? |
One ran such a tight ship that employees were afraid to breathe
May not be the proper register, depending on your text
Russian Federation
proficient translation
Native in: English 
, Russian
Works in: Russian to English, English to Russian, English
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