Sekirov Dictionary

use a sledgehammer to crack a nut

UK /ˌjuːz‿ə ˈslɛd͡ʒhæmə tə ˌkɹæk‿ə ˈnʌt/US /ˌjuz‿ə ˈslɛd͡ʒhæmɚ tə ˌkɹæk‿ə ˈnʌt/

verb1

•
(UK, informal) To use disproportionate or significantly excessive force to carry out an action; to do something overzealously.
- Today, Mr [Anthony] Worthington, an engineer, said: 'Sending three officers over simply to give a warning about kids playing football in the street is like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.[…]' — 2010

forms

used a sledgehammer to crack a nut · using a sledgehammer to crack a nut · uses a sledgehammer to crack a nut

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