take a hammering
take a hammering
1. To be thoroughly beaten or thrashed. My younger brother was always a shy, skinny kid who often took a hammering from schoolyard bullies.
2. To be soundly defeated or bested; to lose by a wide margin. Their team's inexperience showed on the pitch today, as they took a hammering from the powerful squad from New Zealand.
3. To suffer severe losses or setbacks. The stock market took a hammering over the weekend after fears of Greece's exit from the Eurozone. My efforts to get my PhD have taken a hammering over the last couple of years, but I'm still determined to see it through.
4. To be very strongly rebuked, criticized, or condemned. The giant supermarket chain has taken a hammering lately over allegations that they've been threatening local shops and markets. Mark sure took a hammering because of that prank he pulled in class yesterday.
See also: hammer, take
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
take a hammering
If a person, team or organization takes a hammering, they are badly defeated, criticized or damaged. Labour has been taking a hammering in the polls. The firm's public image has taken a hammering recently.
See also: hammer, take
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
take a hammering
1 be subjected to harsh treatment. 2 be heavily defeated. informalSee also: hammer, take
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- get a hammering
- give somebody/get a hammering
- take a drubbing
- take a beating
- give (one) a hammering
- take a punishing
- take a shellacking
- shellac
- get a shellacking
- give (someone or something) a shellacking