go at (one) hammer and tongs

go at (one) hammer and tongs

To aggressively confront one . If the boss blames you for this printing mishap, he'll go at you hammer and tongs in no time.
See also: and, go, hammer, tongs
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

be/go at somebody/something ˌhammer and ˈtongs

(informal) do something, especially argue or fight, with a lot of energy and noise: The boss went at me hammer and tongs. I’ve never seen him so angry. The couple in the flat upstairs are always at it hammer and tongs.This idiom refers to the loud noise made by a blacksmith at work when he is making horseshoes. He uses a pair of tongs to hold the hot iron and a hammer to beat the iron into the shape of the shoe.
See also: and, go, hammer, somebody, something, tongs
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • be at (one) hammer and tongs
  • be/go at somebody/something hammer and tongs
  • tongs
  • come under the hammer
  • come/go under the hammer
  • go under the hammer
  • hammer (something) into (someone or something)
  • hammer into
  • hammer into and pound into
  • hammer down