drop the hammer
(originally, US, informal) To take action.
Definitions
(originally, US, informal) To take action.
“For sure. How can they disappoint us if we're already completely disappointed? Rebuild some good will with the customers, THEN drop the hammer. Otherwise, nobody cares!”
Naturally, the Frat Boy and the Toadmeister decided to hold a contest to see who could “drop the hammer” with Pippi first.
“For sure. How can they disappoint us if we're already completely disappointed? Rebuild some good will with the customers, THEN drop the hammer. Otherwise, nobody cares!”
— Bluesky· May 2026
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Regional slang from around the English-speaking world — British, Australian, Irish, Caribbean, Nigerian, Filipino, AAVE, and the hyphenated-English dialects that make the internet sound local.
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Semantically related
- hammer76%
The act of using a hammer to hit something.
- hammer up76%
(slang) To harm, defeat or beat up (someone).
- hammering74%
(slang) A heavy defeat.
- hammer up73%
Slang meaning to physically beat up, harm, or decisively defeat someone. The term draws on 'hammer' as a verb meaning to hit repeatedly and hard, with 'up' as an intensifier suggesting thoroughness and completion. It is used in both literal (physical fight) and metaphorical (competitive defeat) contexts, sitting in a register of informal, direct, slightly aggressive speech. The 'up' signals finality -- the job is done.
- hammer up72%
Slang for beating someone up, delivering a serious defeat, or physically or metaphorically destroying an opponent. To hammer someone up is to go beyond a simple win — it implies dominance, force, and leaving them worse for wear. Used in fighting contexts but also extended to sport, competition, or any situation where someone gets thoroughly outclassed and roughed up.