drop the hammer
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
If courts don’t drop the hammer on this stuff and start seriously considering civil and criminal contempt, I don’t know what can stop these lies.
From Slate • Nov. 15, 2025
Cue a pause long enough to make you wonder if he’ll leave it there or drop the hammer.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 24, 2024
Given Goodell’s history of agitation with public outcry, he might just drop the hammer himself, which would undermine the new punishment process and probably trigger lawsuit hell.
From Washington Post • Aug. 1, 2022
And if one of them tests positive for anything, the Breeders’ Cup board members will drop the hammer on Baffert.
From New York Times • Nov. 4, 2021
As the trigger came back, the hammer would begin to rise and the barrel to turn over, and presently down would drop the hammer, and away would speed the ball.
From Roughing It, Part 1. by Twain, Mark
