mettere alle corde

Etymology
lit. 'to put to the ropes'.

Verb

 * 1)  to put (an opponent) in a difficult defensive crouch
 * 2)  to attack very aggressively, so as to squash any chance for countermoves and force  to the defensive
 * 3)  to overwhelm someone with questions during a cross-examination
 * 1)  to overwhelm someone with questions during a cross-examination