How to Pronounce "use a sledgehammer to crack a nut"
expression
YOOZ uh SLEJ-ham-er tuh KRAK uh NUT
YOOZ uh SLEJ-ham-uh tuh KRAK uh NUT
Definition
To use much more force, effort, or resources than needed for a simple problem; to use an extreme solution for something minor.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈjus/, /ˈjuz/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈsɫɛdʒˌhæmɝ/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ/ /ˈkɹæk/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈnət
British English
juːz/ /æɪ/ /slˈɛdʒhæmɐ/ /tˈuː/ /kɹˈæk/ /æɪ/ /nˈʌt
Simplified Pronunciation
US
YOOZ uh SLEJ-ham-er tuh KRAK uh NUT
UK
YOOZ uh SLEJ-ham-uh tuh KRAK uh NUT
Listen in Context
If you call the police because your neighbor's music is too loud, you use a sledgehammer to crack a nut.
Installing a full security system for a bicycle is using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.
Writing a 10-page report for a simple meeting is using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.
I think buying a new laptop just to check emails is really using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.