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

---

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]

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

hammer out

The initial phase of contract talks still would have union and county representatives seeking to hammer out a mutually beneficial deal, with a presumption that both sides would negotiate in good faith.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026

The Pacific forum culminates with a leaders' retreat on Thursday, during which officials are expecting to hammer out wording for a joint communique.

From Barron's ● Sep. 3, 2026

Now, lawmakers must hammer out the details of that legislation.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 3, 2026

As negotiators have worked around the clock to hammer out a deal, some Canadians are expressing concern with what is - and what isn't - on the table.

From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2026

Axel races across the room, flings open the basement door, all the while his stomach fills with woodpeckers all trying to hammer out of him.

From "A Bird Will Soar" by Alison Green Myers

Related Words

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