hammered out
Worked through painstakingly
Hammered out describes the process of working through difficulties to reach an agreement or solution, with the metaphor suggesting the effort and persistence of a blacksmith shaping metal.
When negotiators hammer out a deal, they work through contentious points until both sides can accept the result.
After weeks of talks, the union and management finally hammered out a new contract.
The phrase emphasizes that the outcome required sustained effort rather than easy consensus.
- malletSoft-headed striking tool
- compromiseAgreement through mutual sacrifice
- ironed outEliminated problems or disagreements
- forgingShaping heated metal; faking documents
- agreementShared position between parties
hard bargain · strike a deal · perfecting · forged ahead · shaping · polishing · reconciliation · peace treaty · consensus · meeting of minds · blacksmithing · arbitration · bargaining · mediation · diplomacy · refining · honing · deliberation
hammered outabandoned
Left behind completely
shelved · deadlocked · collapsed · fell apart · broke down