hammer out

British  

verb

1. to shape or remove with or as if with a hammer

2. to form or produce (an agreement, plan, etc) after much discussion or dispute

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hammer out Idioms  

1. Work out with considerable effort, as in It took weeks of negotiations to hammer out an acceptable compromise. This usage likens intellectual effort to shaping metal with the blows of a hammer. [Mid-1700s]

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Example Sentences

The traditional fix for these standoffs was a conference committee, in which both chambers appoint a group of members to represent their side, and conferees hammer out differences.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

The meeting is likely meant to hammer out economic achievements to be announced at the leaders' summit, Fudan University professor Wu Xinbo told AFP.

From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026

And so Scott’s major recent step has been to hire a financial planner to help them hammer out their final retirement plans.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 10, 2026

The work I’m doing right now is so wonderful, but I’m just buzzing with the need to sit in one place for two months and hammer out a draft.

From Salon • Jan. 14, 2026

There were hundreds of details to hammer out, but the basic design was set.

From "Bomb" by Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

• establish
• negotiate
• settle
• thrash out
• work out