I've often heard the phrase "going at it hammer and tongues" to imply some sort of conflict btw 2 people.
2006-09-15 03:02:07 · 8 answers · asked by obiwin 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
tongs not tongues!
The origins of this phrase are from blacksmithing, where tongs are used during forging to hold the hot iron as it is hammered into shape.
2006-09-15 03:04:59 · answer #1 · answered by silligrl357 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Tongs it is, hands down!
"hammer and tongs
Forcefully, with great vigor. For example, She went at the weeds hammer and tongs, determined to clean out the long neglected flowerbed. Often put as go at it hammer and tongs, this phrase alludes to the blacksmith's tools. [c. 1700]"
Been around a while, eh!?
2006-09-15 08:08:43 · answer #2 · answered by Yahzmin ♥♥ 4ever 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you mean hammer and tongs. I would imagine it refers back to old blacksmith practise, where metal was pulled out of the furnace and repeatedly hammered into shape. Thus, going at it hammer and tongs meant putting a lot of effort into something.
2006-09-15 03:05:58 · answer #3 · answered by Jonathan D 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Define Tongs
2016-12-12 13:18:24 · answer #4 · answered by taketa 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's hammer & tongs. I guess it means you're working on some task as hard as a blacksmith works iron in his shop.
2006-09-15 03:06:17 · answer #5 · answered by Joe H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hammer and tongs...not tongues. A blacksmithing term to "go at it full force" as when forging iron.
2006-09-15 03:35:07 · answer #6 · answered by bcd95 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"hammer and tongues"="hammer and tongs"
Main Entry: hammer and tongs
Function: adverb
: with great force, vigor, or violence
- hammer-and-tongs adjective
hammer and tongs
ADVERB:
With tremendous energy or effort; vigorously:
worked hammer and tongs to meet the deadline.
Origin:Blacksmith-who use hammer and tongs to forge hot metallic substance to give shapes like axe,sword,agricultural instruments.
2006-09-15 08:07:05 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
be/go at it/each other hammer and tongs means to argue or fight violently and noisily
2006-09-15 03:26:37 · answer #8 · answered by Peace 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋