hammer

Various phrases are connected with this humble tool. If you want someone else to stop doing something or turn something off you might ask them to give it the hammer. 'If there's nobody watchin that garbage give it the hammer for goodness' sake.'
To put the hammer on a person is to ask him for a loan of money: 'Ah'm gettin scunnered wi him pittin the hammer oan us every Saturday night.'
The hammer's on means that there is trouble on the way or that strict measures are to be enforced: 'The hammer's on just now, so keep your head down for a bit.'
A fine figure of a woman may be described as being well hammered thegither.

© Michael Munro