sledgehammer
/ˈsledʒhæmə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · [slˈɛdʒhˌæmɚ] /ˈsledʒhæmər/ (ame, ipa) · [slˈɛdʒhˌæmɚ] /ˈslej-ˌha-mər How to pronounce sledgehammer (audio)/ (ame, mw)
sledgehammer — noun
- sledgehammersingular
- sledgehammersplural
1. A very large hammer swung with both hands to break hard surfaces or pound thick
A very large hammer swung with both hands to break hard surfaces or pound thick posts into place.
Vivek swung a sledgehammer to break the cracked concrete step.
swing a sledgehammer to break concrete
Two workers used a sledgehammer to drive fence posts into clay.
The rescue team kept a sledgehammer beside the jammed steel door.
Mayumi lifted the sledgehammer with both hands before the first blow.
文法句型
use a sledgehammer
swing a sledgehammer
sledgehammer + for + heavy job
用法筆記
Usually names a tool for demolition, road work, or driving large stakes. It suggests a much bigger tool than an ordinary hammer.
常見錯誤
2. A method or reaction that pushes much harder than the situation really needs.
A method or reaction that pushes much harder than the situation really needs.
Closing every playground was a sledgehammer response to one complaint.
sledgehammer + response = far too forceful
The company used a sledgehammer approach instead of fixing one small error.
The principal's sledgehammer rule closed the library over one missing key.
Asher's sledgehammer tactics silenced helpful debate during the budget meeting.
- overkill
informal and stresses using far more force than needed
- blunt instrument
emphasises crude pressure with little precision
- hard-line tactic
focuses on strict control rather than physical force
- measured response
suggests proportionate and careful action
- surgical approach
emphasises narrow, precise action
文法句型
a sledgehammer approach
a sledgehammer response
sledgehammer tactics
用法筆記
Usually appears before another noun such as approach, response, rule, or tactics. It implies more force than the problem deserves.
常見錯誤
sledgehammer — verb
- sledgehammerpresent simple I / you / we / they
- sledgehammers3rd person singular
- sledgehammering-ing form
- sledgehammeredpast simple
1. To batter something with repeated heavy blows, or to force a result through in a
To batter something with repeated heavy blows, or to force a result through in a similarly brutal way.
The crew sledgehammered the old bathroom wall before installing new pipes.
sledgehammer + object in demolition
Leo sledgehammered the rusted lock until the storage gate opened.
Workers sledgehammered at the frozen ground to set the signpost.
Firefighters sledgehammered through the apartment door during the smoky rescue.
The party tried to sledgehammer the bill through committee overnight.
文法句型
sledgehammer + object
sledgehammer at + surface
sledgehammer through + barrier
用法筆記
Often describes demolition, rescue, or rough construction. In figurative use, it suggests forcing a decision or plan through with little care.
常見錯誤
sledgehammer — adjective
- sledgehammerpositive
- more sledgehammercomparative
- most sledgehammersuperlative
1. Describing language, tactics, or action that is blunt, overpowering, and lacking
Describing language, tactics, or action that is blunt, overpowering, and lacking care.
The mayor's sledgehammer policy punished careful shops along with careless ones.
sledgehammer + policy = crude, excessive force
Adisa called the columnist's sledgehammer argument unfair to quiet students.
Shirin's sledgehammer criticism left no room for quiet correction.
The campaign's sledgehammer style turned minor mistakes into national drama.
- heavy-handed
the closest match for forceful action that lacks subtlety
- blunt
focuses on directness more than raw pressure
- hard-line
often used of policy or administration rather than style
文法句型
sledgehammer + policy
sledgehammer + criticism
sledgehammer + style
用法筆記
Usually modifies nouns such as approach, policy, criticism, or style. It suggests blunt power, not careful or precise handling.