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Posted By: Anonymous sledgehammer expression - 02/20/01 04:15 AM
this is driving me nuts, and i can't find the answer on google...

for some reason i've forgotten the expression that goes something like 'using a sledgehammer when a [something] would do'. i know its application; i just can't think of the bloody words.

and on that note, does anyone know of a good searchable database for common expressions such as that one?

TIA

~TNISB

Posted By: Bingley Re: sledgehammer expression - 02/20/01 05:08 AM
Are you thinking of: using a sledgehammer to crack a nut?

Bingley
Posted By: NicholasW Re: sledgehammer expression - 02/20/01 08:15 AM
You're right, I think, there is such an expression, and it's definitely not something like "... when a nutcracker would do". But I can't think of it either, drat.

[mutters] mackerel and sprat... mountain and molehill... mote and beam...

I'll keep thinking about that one now. I'll come back if I come up with it.

Posted By: wwh Re: sledgehammer expression - 02/20/01 03:12 PM
Using a sledgehammer when a tack hammer would do.

Posted By: jmh Re: sledgehammer expression - 02/20/01 03:14 PM
>Using a sledgehammer when a tack hammer would do.

There is also an expression that is something like "he never used one word when a whole sentence(?) would do" (used ironically).

Posted By: Father Steve Re: sledgehammer expression - 02/21/01 08:34 PM
I've also heard it said that one "ought not swat a fly with sledgehammer."



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