hammer out
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle out
Meanings
Reach an agreement after long and difficult discussion
Why “out”? A problem, disagreement, or hard time continues until it is settled or ends.
“They hammered out a deal at midnight.”
“The leaders hammered out an agreement.”
Don't confuse with
Hammer out means reach an agreement after long and difficult discussion. Hammer down means fix something firmly into place with a hammer.
Test yourself
“They hammered out a deal at midnight.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
hammer down
A contrast learners often mix up
Fix something firmly into place with a hammer
fight out
Same out pattern: resolution
Settle a disagreement by arguing or fighting until one side wins
hold out
Same out pattern: resolution
Resist or last for a particular time
iron out
Same out pattern: resolution
Solve small problems or differences
sort out
Same out pattern: resolution
Resolve a problem successfully
straighten out
Same out pattern: resolution
Resolve a problem or confusion
sweat out
Same out pattern: resolution
Endure a difficult or anxious situation until it ends
talk out
Same out pattern: resolution
Discuss a problem fully until it is settled
Sink In — iOS & Android
Practice “hammer out” in Sink In
Drill “hammer out” and 1,300+ other phrasal verbs with spaced repetition, organised by the particle patterns that connect them.
- Learn the pattern behind dozens of verbs at once — not one-off translations.
- Spaced repetition (SM-2) brings each meaning back right before you forget.
- Four practice modes train recall and discrimination, not just recognition.
