In the phrase, 'Dropping the hammer' hammer does not indicate the usual tool with a heavy metal part on a long handle. This tool is used for hitting nails into wood or to make something flat or to make a noise. But, the one referred here is related to a gun. Hammer referred here is the part of the gun that hits the explosive charge that fires a bullet. Charge is an explosive put into a gun or weapon. When a gun is cocked , the hammer is pulled back so that the gun is ready to be fired. Thus, when someone pulls the trigger the hammer is dropped onto the cartridge. This fires the bullet.
Thus, the phrase 'dropping the hammer' means to kill someone. Example: during the trial of a famous and well-known criminal, the hot question is not their guilt but whether the judge would drop the hammer or not.
Thus, the phrase 'dropping the hammer' means to kill someone. Example: during the trial of a famous and well-known criminal, the hot question is not their guilt but whether the judge would drop the hammer or not.
