Hammer And Tongs

C1 8+

Pronunciation: /ˈhæmər ənd tɔŋz/

Definitions of hammer and tongs

noun a tool consisting of a handle with a heavy metal head attached at a right angle, used for breaking things or driving in nails

Example Sentences

A1 She was working on the project hammer and tongs.

A2 The workers were using hammer and tongs to fix the roof.

B1 The chef was cooking in the kitchen hammer and tongs to prepare for the dinner rush.

B2 The team worked hammer and tongs to meet the deadline for the project.

C1 The athletes trained hammer and tongs to be ready for the upcoming competition.

C2 The scientists worked hammer and tongs to discover a cure for the disease.

conjunction used together as a phrase to indicate intensity or forceful action

Example Sentences

A1 I worked on the project hammer and tongs until it was finished.

A2 She studied for the exam hammer and tongs to get a good grade.

B1 The team worked hammer and tongs to meet the deadline.

B2 The chef cooked the meal hammer and tongs to ensure it was perfect.

C1 The researchers analyzed the data hammer and tongs to find meaningful results.

C2 The artist painted the masterpiece hammer and tongs, dedicating hours of work to each detail.

Examples of hammer and tongs in a Sentence

formal The blacksmith worked diligently, using hammer and tongs to shape the hot metal into a horseshoe.

informal He was going at it hammer and tongs, trying to finish the project before the deadline.

slang The two teams were going at each other hammer and tongs on the football field.

figurative The debate between the two politicians was heated, with both of them going at it hammer and tongs to prove their point.

Grammatical Forms of hammer and tongs

past tense

hammered

plural

hammers and tongs

comparative

more hammer and tongs

superlative

most hammer and tongs

present tense

hammer and tongs

future tense

will hammer and tongs

perfect tense

have hammered and tonged

continuous tense

is hammering and tonging

singular

hammer and tongs

positive degree

hammer and tongs

infinitive

to hammer and tong

gerund

hammering and tonging

participle

hammered and tonged

Origin and Evolution of hammer and tongs

First Known Use: 1678 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The expression 'hammer and tongs' originates from the blacksmithing trade, where a hammer is used to shape metal on an anvil and tongs are used to hold and manipulate the hot metal.
Evolution of the word: Originally used in a literal sense to describe the tools used by blacksmiths, the phrase evolved to be used figuratively to mean doing something with great energy or intensity.