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to bring the hammer down
01
to criticize or punish someone very harshly
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "bring the hammer down" and when to use it?
The idiom "bring the hammer down" is derived from the literal act of using a hammer to strike a surface forcefully. In a figurative sense, it implies taking strong and immediate measures to address a situation, enforce rules, or deliver consequences.
Examples
Faced with repeated policy violations, the manager warned the employee that he would bring the hammer down if the behavior continued.
The referee decided to bring the hammer down and penalize the player for unsportsmanlike conduct.
