English Reference
Idiom idiom

employ a steam engine to crack a nut


To carry out a simple task in an overcomplicated manner.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all it's cracked up to be

    As good as claims or reputation would suggest.

  2. 02

    blow off steam

    To vent; to talk or take action (especially in a ranting or unrestrained way) so as to relieve stress.

  3. 03

    bust a nut

    To ejaculate.

  4. 04

    crack a crust

    To make a living.

  5. 05

    crack a fat

    To get an erection of the penis.

  6. 06

    crack a smile

    To smile, especially while attempting not to.

  7. 07

    crack down

    To take harsh action (against), as when enforcing a law more stringently than before.

  8. 08

    crack of dawn

    The first moment of daylight; the instant at which sunrise begins.

Last updated August 10, 2026