# employ a steam engine to crack a nut

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/employ-a-steam-engine-to-crack-a-nut
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To carry out a simple task in an overcomplicated manner.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.