use a sledgehammer to crack a nut

use a sledgehammer to crack a nut

To use excessive, overcomplicated, or extravagant means or force to accomplish something relatively minor or simple. With this new system of issuing licenses, the government is using 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, use
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a sledgehammer to crack a nut

BRITISH
If someone uses a sledgehammer to crack a nut, they use methods to solve a problem that are far more extreme than is necessary. The widespread campaign by the government to reduce childhood obesity is, she says, using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Bankers say that the proposed law is a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Note: People sometimes replace sledgehammer with hammer. Robbins's film takes a large hammer to crack a familiar nut. Compare with be breaking a butterfly on a wheel. Note: A sledgehammer is a large heavy hammer which is used for smashing rocks and concrete.
See also: crack, nut, sledgehammer
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

use a ˌsledgehammer to crack a ˈnut

use more force than is necessary: It was a small and peaceful demonstration so I don’t know why there was such a big police presence. It was like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.
See also: crack, nut, sledgehammer, use
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • a sledgehammer to crack a nut
  • employ a steam engine to crack a nut
  • engine
  • kill a fly with an elephant gun
  • take 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