Put one's foot down

When someone says, 'I'm putting my foot down' they are using an expression that could have several meanings depending on the context. If, for example, the context is standing one's ground, as in battle, this usage dates from 1662, according to the OED. If, on the other hand, they are using the expression figuratively, as in standing firm on some issue or other, then this dates from the mid-1800s. Finally, they could be saying that they are going to accelerate matters by putting their foot down, which usage dates from the early 20th century, because the allusion is to the accelerator pedal on a motor car.