sledgehammer argument

A strong argument that eliminates all opposition. I really want to win the debate next week, so I'm preparing a real sledgehammer argument.

take a sledgehammer to (something)

To dismantle, destroy, or eradicate something with great force or intensity. The governor promised to take a sledgehammer to several policies implemented by her predecessor. The aim of our campaign is to take a sledgehammer to these sorts of social injustices.

take a sledgehammer to crack a nut

To take excessive, overcomplicated, or extravagant means or force to accomplish something relatively minor or simple. With this new system of issuing licenses, the government has taken a sledgehammer to crack a nut: four separate departments now handle each stage of an application, when a single department could easily process applications from start to finish.

See also: crack, nut, sledgehammer, take, to

use a sledgehammer to crack a nut

To use excessive, overcomplicated, or extravagant means or force to accomplish something relatively minor or simple. With this new system of issuing licenses, the government is using a sledgehammer to crack a nut: four separate departments now handle each stage of an application, when a single department could easily process applications from start to finish.

See also: crack, nut, sledgehammer, to, use

a sledgehammer to crack a nut

BRITISH

If someone uses a sledgehammer to crack a nut, they use methods to solve a problem that are far more extreme than is necessary. The widespread campaign by the government to reduce childhood obesity is, she says, using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Bankers say that the proposed law is a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Note: People sometimes replace sledgehammer with hammer. Robbins's film takes a large hammer to crack a familiar nut. Compare with be breaking a butterfly on a wheel. Note: A sledgehammer is a large heavy hammer which is used for smashing rocks and concrete.

take (or use) a sledgehammer to crack a nut

use disproportionately forceful means to achieve a simple objective.

A sledgehammer is a large, heavy hammer used for such jobs as breaking up rocks and driving in fence posts.

1998 New Scientist Fighting tooth decay by annihilating mostly harmless bacteria in your mouth is like taking a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

See also: crack, nut, sledgehammer, take, to

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

use a ˌsledgehammer to crack a ˈnut

use more force than is necessary: It was a small and peaceful demonstration so I don’t know why there was such a big police presence. It was like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

See also: crack, nut, sledgehammer, to, use

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

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References in periodicals archive

After authorities received reports overnight of the sledgehammer attack in north Birmingham, a similar episode was reported nearby, according to the West Midlands Police.

UK police probing attacks on 5 mosques in Birmingham

Approaching the furniture store, he looks set to go for the door and goes to lift the sledgehammer to smash it in.

Man armed with sledgehammer caught on CCTV

"I was searching ebay to find specific movie props from the film and all of a sudden there was the Sledgehammer, up and for auction on ebay."

A key 'Napoleon Dynamite' prop, owned by a local man, goes on display tonight at The Varsity. Dang! Sledgehammer: It's tonight!

The defendant said he did not own a sledgehammer. He admitted a public order offence at Wern Ucha in Bagillt, where he was then staying.

Threat to assault cops

Shop owner John McGowan, 32, who took over last August, said: "They used a sledgehammer to the door.

Smash and grab gang steal PS10k

The man wearing a hoodie and gloves entered the kiosk on Faneromeni Avenue at around 4.40am holding the sledgehammer and a bag.

Kiosk robbed in Larnaca

This meant he had breached a suspended sentence for affray committed in August last year when he smashed Mrs Wood's home in MacDonald Road, Ely, Cardiff, with a sledgehammer.

Husband jealous of pop star Robbie smashed up wife's home

CCTV footage, passed to Merseyside Police, shows three men using a sledgehammer and a crowbar to smash the front doors of the centre.

Thieves hit park's visitors' centre

With Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare featuring Arabic subtitles, Arabic gamers can fully experience the compelling campaign narrative penned by the storytellers at Sledgehammer Games, along with the immersive next generation gameplay experience, the company says."We are delighted to work with Activision and Sledgehammer Games to bring to gamers in the MENA region a localised version of Call of Duty.

Arabic subtitles for popular game

Burglars used sledgehammer in bid to break down the front door of house.

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