hammer and tongs

American  

adverb

1. with great vigor, determination, or vehemence.

   When he starts a job he goes at it hammer and tongs.

   Synonyms:

   wholeheartedly, fiercely, energetically, hard

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hammer and tongs Idioms  

1. Forcefully, with great vigor. For example, She went at the weeds hammer and tongs, determined to clean out the long neglected flowerbed. Often put as go at it hammer and tongs, this phrase alludes to the blacksmith's tools. [c. 1700]

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Etymology

Origin of hammer and tongs

First recorded in 1700–10

Example Sentences

“Sen. Harris is a surprising choice considering just how hard she went after him — I mean, with hammer and tongs — over busing, issues of racial equality,” Colbert said on “The Late Show.”

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 12, 2020

They have gone at each other hammer and tongs in swimsuits, leotards and running shorts on fields of play but mostly been the picture of grace once done with competing.

From Washington Times • Aug. 17, 2016

On one occasion, as I came in to the dressing room, Roy and Ruud van Nistelrooy were at it, hammer and tongs.

From BBC • Oct. 22, 2013

The players in red and those in blue demonstrated that by going at each other like hammer and tongs at Old Trafford.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 9, 2013

If Charlie hadn’t stepped in, we’d probably still have been at it hammer and tongs today.

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson