hammer and tongs

adverb

1. with great vigor, determination, or vehemence:

   When he starts a job he goes at it hammer and tongs.

   Synonyms: wholeheartedly, fiercely, energetically, hard

Word History and Origins

Origin of hammer and tongs¹

First recorded in 1700–10

Idioms and Phrases

Forcefully, with great vigor. For example, She went at the weeds hammer and tongs, determined to clean out the long neglected flowerbed . Often put as go at it hammer and tongs , this phrase alludes to the blacksmith's tools. [c. 1700]

Example Sentences

Would he make a stand against disciplined tars who were accustomed to close in, hammer-and-tongs?

From Project Gutenberg

After some slight exchanges they began a hammer-and-tongs game, in which Proser scored heavily.

From Project Gutenberg

For this kind of irregular guerilla warfare was even more in Cleg's way than a plain, hammer-and-tongs, knockdown fight.

From Project Gutenberg

In another moment they were both at it, hammer-and-tongs, with the advantage in Bulger's favor, owing to his build and strength.

From Project Gutenberg

Thursday morning came, bright with promise, and a profitable forenoon was spent in the old hammer-and-tongs manner.

From Project Gutenberg