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hammer out

B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words

To finally agree on or finish something after a lot of hard work and difficult discussion.

Literal meaning: To shape metal (such as iron) by striking it with a hammer until it takes the desired form.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

To reach an agreement, deal, or solution through difficult negotiation or sustained effort.

"After two days of intense talks, the two sides finally hammered out a peace agreement."

"The two sides hammered out a compromise that neither loved but both could live with."

— Widely used formulation in political journalism; e.g. The New York Times, various issues covering US Congressional negotiations
Grammar: separable
2 B2 idiomatic informal

To produce something in writing or music with energetic, focused effort.

"She hammered out the report in three hours and sent it to the client."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Very common in journalism and business English to describe the result of negotiations. Implies that the process was difficult and required sustained effort from all parties. Also used literally for shaping metal by hammering.

Commonly used with

deal agreement compromise solution plan treaty

Forms

Base
hammer out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
hammers out
he/she/it
Past simple
hammered out
yesterday
Past participle
hammered out
have + pp
-ing form
hammering out
continuous

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