In everyday speech, we often use special phrases called idioms that have a meaning different from the words that make them up. In this post, we’ll explore idioms that involve the word “hammer.” These expressions are not only fun but also offer a peek into the colorful aspects of the English language. Let’s dive into the world of “hammer” idioms, perfect for kids and adults alike to learn!
Hammer Idioms
Here are 20 hammer idioms in English.
1. To go at it hammer and tongs
Meaning: To do something with full energy and enthusiasm
Example: They went at it hammer and tongs to finish the project.
2. To hammer out a deal
Meaning: To negotiate a deal with all details
Example: They hammered out a deal over the weekend.
3. To hammer home
Meaning: To make something clearly understood
Example: She hammered home the importance of honesty.
4. Under the hammer
Meaning: Being sold at an auction
Example: The painting went under the hammer yesterday.
5. To nail down
Meaning: To finalize or secure something
Example: We need to nail down the event details.
6. Hammer and sickle
Meaning: Symbol representing communism
Example: The flag bore the hammer and sickle.
7. To hit the nail on the head
Meaning: To describe exactly what is causing a situation
Example: He hit the nail on the head with his guess.
8. To take a hammering
Meaning: To suffer a severe defeat or damage
Example: Their team took a hammering last night.
9. Drop the hammer
Meaning: To impose a severe punishment or ruling
Example: The judge dropped the hammer with that sentence.
10. Hammer and nails
Meaning: Basic tools and supplies for carpentry
Example: We’ve got enough hammer and nails for the job.
11. Hammer in the morning
Meaning: Working hard from early on
Example: He was hammering in the morning to finish.
12. To beat the hammer
Meaning: To avoid auction sale by buying beforehand
Example: She beat the hammer by purchasing early.
13. Hammer-headed
Meaning: Stubborn, unable to change opinion
Example: He’s too hammer-headed to listen.
14. To throw a hammer
Meaning: To introduce a problem or obstacle
Example: He threw a hammer in our plans.
15. Hammer blow
Meaning: A sudden devastating event or impact
Example: The news came as a hammer blow.
16. Golden hammer
Meaning: A highly esteemed but often misused solution
Example: This software is their golden hammer.
17. Between hammer and anvil
Meaning: Caught between two difficulties
Example: He’s between hammer and anvil now.
18. Hammer song
Meaning: A rhythmic, forceful song
Example: They played a real hammer song last night.
19. To hammer away
Meaning: To work or insist persistently
Example: She kept hammering away at the task.
20. Hammer of justice
Meaning: Symbol or act of firm correction or justice
Example: They called for the hammer of justice.
