- To work out, finalize, or agree upon the specifics of a plan, agreement, contract, or deal, often through difficult, lengthy, or forceful discussion and negotiation.
Explanation
Origin
- This metaphor compares the negotiation process to a blacksmith shaping metal with a hammer.
- Just as a blacksmith repeatedly strikes hot metal to give it the desired form, negotiators might engage in forceful or persistent discussion (hammering) to shape the final terms (hammer out).
- It implies effort, determination, and potentially overcoming resistance or difficulties to reach a finished product (the agreement).
- The phrase dates to at least the mid-19th century.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Hash out
- Thrash out
- Nail down the specifics
- Get it locked down
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- (Not common)
- Hammer out this fucking deal / these goddamn details.
Milder/Formal:
- Finalize the details.
- Conclude negotiations.
- Resolve the outstanding points.
- Formalize the agreement.
Situational Appropriateness
- Common in business, legal, political, and diplomatic contexts.
- Neutral to slightly informal, but frequently used in professional settings due to its evocative meaning. Implies that the process may be tough.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Emphasize that it implies significant effort, discussion, and potentially disagreement that needs to be overcome, not just a simple chat. It's stronger than just 'discuss'.
Examples
- The negotiators met for days to hammer out a peace treaty.
- We need to hammer out the details of the budget before the deadline.
- They finally hammered out an agreement everyone could accept.
Dialogue
Union Rep: We've agreed on the main salary increase, but working conditions are still unresolved.
Company Rep: Agreed. Let's meet tomorrow morning and try to hammer out those specific clauses.
Union Rep: Okay. 9 AM sharp.
Social Media Examples
- News Report: EU leaders continue talks, trying to hammer out a deal on the recovery fund. #EU #politics #negotiation
- Business Update: Spent the week hammering out the final details of the partnership agreement. Exciting times ahead! #business #deal
- Screenwriter Tweet: In the writers' room, hammering out the plot twists for season 2! #screenwriting #TV
Response Patterns
- Okay, let's schedule a meeting to do that.
- Alright, what are the key points we need to resolve?
- It won't be easy, but we need to hammer it out.
- Agreement to engage in detailed discussion or negotiation.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After deciding to hammer out details:
- Scheduling the negotiation or discussion session.
- Identifying the specific points that need resolution.
- Preparing positions or proposals.
- Engaging in the discussion/negotiation process.
Conversation Starter
- No. Used when the general framework exists, but specific points need to be resolved through effortful discussion.
Intonation
- Stress on hammer and out. If details (or similar) is included, it's often stressed too.
- We need to HAMMER OUT the DETAILS.
- Can imply determination or the difficulty of the task.
Generation Differences
- Used across generations, particularly common in professional and negotiation contexts.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.