To produce or reach something (a deal, agreement, or solution) after long and difficult discussion or effort.
To finally agree on or finish something after a lot of hard work and difficult discussion.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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
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."
To shape metal (such as iron) by striking it with a hammer until it takes the desired form.
To finally agree on or finish something after a lot of hard work and difficult discussion.
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.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "hammer out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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