The forces about them were tightening, but pressing against one another to a deadlock, without movement.
Pedaling forces tighten a freewheel onto the hub, so no tool is required to install one.
In the capital, pro-government forces tightened security, mindful that infiltrators played a critical role last year in rebel attacks that nearly overran Freetown.
Before Mr. Shevardnadze's announcement, pro-government forces tightened security at Parliament and other key sites.
Sean's mental forces tightened like a vise.
American and Iraqi forces later tightened their security cordons around Karbala and along the main roads leading to the city in an effort to prevent further bloodshed.
Our combined forces inexorably tightened around the Angaraks.
Serbian forces tightened their hold on the capital with the capture on Dec. 6 of the strategic western suburb of Otes.
Israeli forces again tightened their grip on the West Bank city of Jenin today.
The royal forces tightened the encirclement of Gonzalo's strongholds.