battering ram

noun3

1. •
   A modern device, usually in the form of a metal bar with handles, chiefly used by police and firefighters to force open locked doors.
2. •
   (historical) A heavy object used for battering down walls and gates or a siege engine that includes such an object.
3. •
   (figurative) Something which acts as a powerful tool against something.

   • And in the edition of their party newspaper released last week, [the Tories] pledged to Manitobans that they would continue their battering ram approach this time around. — 1982