Definition & Meaning of "[use|take] a sledgehammer to crack a nut"

What is the origin of the idiom "use a sledgehammer to crack a nut" and when to use it?

The idiom "use a sledgehammer to crack a nut" has its roots in the world of tools and construction. It arises from the practice of using a sledgehammer, a heavy and powerful tool, for the purpose of breaking a small and relatively fragile object, like a nut. This expression is commonly used to criticize a situation where someone is employing an overly complex or excessive approach to deal with a simple or minor problem.