hammer down

USAGE SUMMARY

'hammer down' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used metaphorically to mean to attack something vigorously or to work hard on something. Example: We need to hammer down on the project if we're going to get it finished before the deadline.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Murray must hammer down Lendl's door.

Independent

"We want to hammer down that £550m – it's significant money".

The Guardian - Money

That's the only time she puts the hammer down".

The Guardian - Sport

"We should be putting the hammer down and making up for lost time," he wrote.

The New York Times

Google will have to nail down the design — and hammer down the price.

The New York Times

"It was like Roger put the hammer down after that," said Jose Canseco, Clemens's longtime teammate.

The New York Times - Sports

3.32pm BST Voeckler puts the hammer down and takes the lead back out to 1min 1minc.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's time to bring the hammer down," said Representative Dana Rohrabacher, Republican of California.

The New York Times

On their home patch, the Warriors will also be bringing the hammer down hard.

The Guardian - Sport

"It is not as easy as slamming a hammer down," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This hammer-down, all-or-nothing approach may have cost him a major championship or two in the past.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hammer down" to convey a sense of urgency or intensified effort, especially when describing actions aimed at achieving a specific goal quickly and efficiently.

Common error

Avoid using "hammer down" in literal contexts (e.g., construction) when a more precise verb would be clearer. The phrase is primarily figurative and should be reserved for conveying intensified effort or action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hammer down" functions as a phrasal verb, typically used to express the idea of applying maximum effort or acting decisively to achieve a goal. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Sport

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hammer down" is a common phrasal verb used to describe the act of applying maximum effort or acting decisively. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage is grammatically correct, with its register ranging from neutral to informal. While primarily found in news and sports contexts, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives in academic writing. The phrase conveys a sense of urgency and determination. Remember to avoid misinterpreting its figurative meaning and consider the context when opting for similar phrases like "step on the gas" or "bear down".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

step on the gas

Focuses on increasing speed or intensity, particularly in driving or other activities.

put the pedal to the metal

Implies maximizing effort and speed, often in a competitive or urgent situation.

bear down

Suggests applying maximum effort to overcome a challenge or obstacle.

go all out

Emphasizes exerting maximum effort without reservation.

give it your all

Focuses on dedicating one's complete energy and effort to a task.

press on

Implies continuing with determination and effort, even in difficult circumstances.

forge ahead

Suggests moving forward with strength and determination, often in the face of obstacles.

work tirelessly

Emphasizes continuous and dedicated effort over a long period.

buckle down

Implies focusing one's efforts and concentrating on a specific task.

get cracking

Suggests starting something with energy and enthusiasm.

FAQs

How can I use "hammer down" in a sentence?

You can use "hammer down" to describe intensifying effort. For example, "We need to "hammer down" on these deadlines to meet our goals."

What's a more formal alternative to "hammer down"?

In formal settings, consider alternatives like "exert maximum effort", "accelerate progress", or "intensify efforts". While ""hammer down"" is widely understood, it's more suitable for informal or neutral registers.

Is "hammer down" appropriate for academic writing?

"Hammer down" is less common in academic writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "focus efforts", "concentrate resources", or "prioritize objectives" for a more suitable tone.

What does it mean to "bring the hammer down"?

Bringing the hammer down often refers to enacting a punishment or decisive action against someone or something. It signifies a forceful intervention, different from simply intensifying efforts.