(Britain, criminal, slang) An abduction or hostage-taking of this kind.

(idiomatic) A seemingly fierce or powerful person, country or organisation without the ability to back up their words; apparently powerful but actually ineffective.

(idiomatic) A well-organized and highly disciplined organization.

A large marine crustacean, Penaeus monodon, widely reared for food

Alternative spelling of uptight

(literally) Having the lips pressed tightly together, hence, not speaking. / (idiomatic) Unwilling to divulge information.

(idiomatic) Of a person, silence or reticence.

(firearms, historical) A steel pin in early rifles.

(idiomatic) A pure gamble with highly divergent outcomes.

(informal) A reduction in expenditure as a result of financial restrictions