sledgehammer

Thân thiện

A worker uses a sledgehammer to break a concrete slab.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • A heavy, long-handled hammer: A large, powerful hammer with a long handle, designed for heavy-duty tasks such as driving stakes, breaking up concrete, or demolishing structures. Its weight and leverage make it effective for delivering forceful blows.

2. Verb:

   • To beat or strike with a sledgehammer: To hit something with great force using a sledgehammer. This action implies a powerful, often destructive, impact.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The construction worker used a sledgehammer to break the old wall.
  • Driving the fence post required the force of a sledgehammer.

• Verb:

  • They had to sledgehammer the concrete slab to remove it.
  • He sledgehammered the ice blocking the driveway.

Advanced Usage

• "a sledgehammer approach": A method of dealing with a problem that uses excessive force or is not subtle; a blunt, overpowering tactic.
  • The new regulations are a sledgehammer approach to a minor issue.
  • His criticism was a sledgehammer to their delicate proposal.

Variants and Related Words

• Sledge (noun, chiefly British): A common short form for "sledgehammer."
  • He swung the sledge with all his might.

Synonyms

• Noun: Maul, mallet (though a mallet is typically wooden and used for lighter tasks).
• Verb: Smash, pound, demolish.

Related Phrases

• "To use a sledgehammer to crack a nut" (Idiom): To use disproportionate force or resources to solve a small or simple problem.
  • Firing the entire team for one mistake is like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a heavy long-handled hammer used to drive stakes or wedges

Verb

1. beat with a sledgehammer

Từ đồng nghĩa

• maul
• sledge