Hammer at Meaning in English
expression
ˈhæmɝ/ /ˈæt
HAM-er AT
hˈæmɐ/ /ˈæt
HAM-uh AT
Definition
To physically hit something repeatedly with a hammer, or to repeatedly emphasize or focus on a topic or point.
Usage & Nuances
Can be literal (physical tool use) or figurative (repeated focus/emphasis). In figurative use, common with ideas/topics: 'hammer at the point.' Slightly formal or literary; less common in casual speech. Can imply determination or annoyance if overused.
Spanish: dar martillazos a - insistir enPortuguese (BR): martelar em - insistir emPortuguese (PT): martelar em - insistir emChinese (Simplified): 猛敲 - 不断强调Chinese (Traditional): 猛敲 - 不斷強調Hindi: पीटना - बार-बार ज़ोर देनाArabic: يطرق بشدة - يصر علىBengali: হাতুড়ি দিয়ে আঘাত করা - বারবার জোর দেওয়াRussian: стучать по - настойчиво повторятьJapanese: たたき続ける - しつこく言うVietnamese: đập mạnh vào - nhấn mạnh nhiều lầnKorean: 망치로 두드리다 - 반복해서 강조하다Turkish: çekiçle vurmak - üzerinde ısrarla durmakUrdu: زور سے پیٹنا - بار بار زور دیناIndonesian: memukul dengan palu - menekankan terus-menerus
Example Sentences
He hammered at the nail until it went in.
basic
The teacher hammered at the importance of studying.
basic
She hammered at the door, but no one answered.
basic
They kept hammering at the same idea in every meeting.
natural
If we keep hammering at this problem, maybe we'll find a solution.
natural
Reporters kept hammering at him with the same questions.
natural