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

See Examples For:

hammer out

He said Canada and the EU intend to hammer out their future relationship at a summit next month in Montreal.

From Barron's ● Sep. 15, 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

Canadian trade negotiators are in Washington this week trying to hammer out a deal that will include broad tariff relief in exchange for Ottawa dropping certain countermeasures.

From Barron's ● Aug. 13, 2026

Since our machinist needed at least three days merely to turn out the more simple phosphorus atoms, I went back to Clare after lunch to hammer out the final draft of my genetics manuscript.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson

Related Words

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