hammer and anvil

English

Noun

hammer and anvil (uncountable)

1. (military) A tactic involving the use of two primary forces, one to pin down an enemy and the other to encircle him.
2. (figurative, by extension) A two-pronged method that is commonly deployed, or the two mechanisms used to carry it out.

   Coercion and intimidation are the hammer and anvil of experienced police officers.

Related terms

• between the hammer and the anvil