bring down the hammer (on one)

(redirected from brought down the hammer on them)

bring down the hammer (on one)

To very strongly rebuke, criticize, condemn, or punish one. The principal brought down the hammer on Mark because of that prank he pulled in class yesterday. I can't sneak out—I'm already grounded, and my parents have sworn they'll bring down the hammer if I break the rules again. It's time to bring down the hammer on that boy. He's only passing two of his five classes!