hamer
B1Neutral to technical, depending on context.
Definition
Meaning
A tool with a heavy metal head mounted at right angles at the end of a handle, used for tasks such as driving nails.
To strike or hit forcefully and repeatedly; also used metaphorically to describe severe criticism, a thorough defeat, or a part of a firearm or piano mechanism.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The primary meaning is concrete (tool). The verb form extends to vigorous action and metaphorical punishment. Specific technical uses exist in anatomy, firearms, and athletics.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. In athletics, 'hammer throw' is universal. In commerce, 'auction hammer' is standard.
Connotations
Identical connotations of force, bluntness, and decisive action in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common and high frequency.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
hammer [OBJECT] (e.g., hammer the nail)hammer [OBJECT] + preposition (e.g., hammer on the door)hammer [OBJECT] + adjective (e.g., hammer it flat)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “come under the hammer”
- “hammer and tongs”
- “hammer something home”
- “go at it hammer and tongs”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To 'hammer out' a deal or agreement through tough negotiation.
Academic
In anatomy, the 'hammer' (malleus) is a small bone in the middle ear.
Everyday
Using a hammer for DIY tasks; metaphorically, 'hammering' someone with criticism.
Technical
The firing mechanism of a gun (hammer); the hammer throw in athletics.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He'll hammer the post into the ground.
- The critics absolutely hammered the new play in the reviews.
- We need to hammer out the final details before the meeting.
American English
- He hammered the nail into the wall.
- The boxer hammered his opponent against the ropes.
- Congress is trying to hammer out a new budget deal.
adjective
British English
- He has a hammer toe from years of tight shoes.
- The hammer blow of the news left her stunned.
American English
- The hammer drill made quick work of the concrete.
- It was a hammer hit that won the game.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I need a hammer to fix the chair.
- He hit his finger with the hammer.
- Can you pass me the hammer, please?
- She used a hammer to hang the picture on the wall.
- The storm hammered against the windows all night.
- His father hammered the metal until it was flat.
- The government's policy was hammered by the opposition parties.
- They finally hammered out a compromise after hours of debate.
- The auctioneer brought the hammer down on the final bid.
- The documentary hammered home the devastating effects of climate change.
- The coalition forces hammered the enemy positions with sustained artillery fire.
- The malleus, or hammer bone, transmits vibrations from the eardrum.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HAMMER: Heavy Arm Muscle Mover, Especially Reliable.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRITICISM/ATTACK IS A PHYSICAL BLOW (e.g., 'The media hammered the politician').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'hamster'.
- The 'hammer and sickle' is a direct loan ('серп и молот'), but 'hammer' alone is not politically loaded.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'hamer' (missing 'm').
- Using 'hammer at' incorrectly for abstract nouns (e.g., 'hammer at the problem' is ok, 'hammer at the idea' is less natural).
Practice
Quiz
In the context of an auction, what does 'come under the hammer' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, several. For example, 'come under the hammer' means to be sold at an auction. 'Hammer and tongs' means with great energy and noise.
A hammer typically has a metal head and is used for driving nails or breaking things. A mallet usually has a large, heavy head made of wood or rubber and is used for striking without damaging the surface, like in woodworking or croquet.
Yes. You can 'hammer on' a door (intransitive with preposition), or it can be used metaphorically, as in 'rain hammered on the roof' or 'investors hammered the company's stock'.
It means to emphasize a point very forcefully and repeatedly so that it is completely understood and remembered.