take a sledgehammer to crack a nut
take a sledgehammer to crack a nut
To take excessive, overcomplicated, or extravagant means or force to accomplish something relatively minor or simple. With this new system of issuing licenses, the government has taken a sledgehammer to crack a nut: four separate departments now handle each stage of an application, when a single department could easily process applications from start to finish.
See also: crack, nut, sledgehammer, take
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
take (or use) a sledgehammer to crack a nut
use disproportionately forceful means to achieve a simple objective.A sledgehammer is a large, heavy hammer used for such jobs as breaking up rocks and driving in fence posts.
1998 New Scientist Fighting tooth decay by annihilating mostly harmless bacteria in your mouth is like taking a sledgehammer to crack a nut.
See also: crack, nut, sledgehammer, take
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- a sledgehammer to crack a nut
- employ a steam engine to crack a nut
- engine
- kill a fly with an elephant gun
- use a sledgehammer to crack a nut
- a committee is a group of men who keep minutes and waste hours
- group
- no expense is spared
- spare no expense
- spare no expense/pains/trouble doing something