hammer out
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To discuss or negotiate something, especially a difficult or complex issue, until a final agreement or solution is reached through persistent effort. It implies a process of working through details, disagreements, or problems to produce a final, workable result.
Usage
- The verb "hammer out" is transitive and requires a direct object (e.g., an agreement, a deal, a plan, details).
- It is often used in formal or professional contexts related to business, politics, law, or any situation requiring detailed negotiation.
- The phrasal verb suggests the final result is shaped through forceful or persistent discussion, like metal being shaped by a hammer.
Examples
- Verb:
- The two companies met for weeks to hammer out the terms of the merger.
- After lengthy debate, the committee finally hammered out a compromise.
- The negotiators worked through the night to hammer out a ceasefire agreement.
Advanced Usage
- "to hammer out the details/kinks": To resolve the specific, often problematic, elements of a plan or agreement.
- We've agreed on the core idea; now we just need to hammer out the details.
Variants and Related Words
- Hammer (verb): To strike repeatedly. The imagery of "hammer out" derives from this physical act of shaping metal.
- Thrash out (verb): A near-synonymous phrasal verb meaning to discuss thoroughly to reach a conclusion.
Synonyms
- Negotiate: To discuss something formally to reach an agreement.
- Work out: To solve a problem or find a solution through effort.
- Thrash out: To discuss (a problem or issue) thoroughly until a solution is found.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Hammer away at: To work persistently on a task or problem.
- She hammered away at the draft until it was perfect.
Related Idioms
- "To iron out": To resolve or smooth out difficulties or problems. This idiom is very similar in meaning to "hammer out" but often implies resolving minor final issues.
- They met to iron out the last few contractual issues.
Verb
- discuss vehemently in order to reach a solution or an agreement
- The leaders of the various Middle Eastern countries are trying to hammer out a peace agreement