noun
iron hammer; metal hammer
Literal meaning: a hammer made of iron. Used in historical or descriptive contexts.
鍛冶屋が鉄槌で熱した鉄を打つ。
The blacksmith strikes the heated iron with an iron hammer.
noun
crushing blow; severe punishment; devastating strike
Figurative use, often in the set phrase 鉄槌を下す (to deliver a crushing blow, to punish severely). Implies a decisive, harsh action.
See also: 鉄槌を下す
裁判所は悪質な業者に鉄槌を下した。
The court delivered a crushing blow to the malicious business.
彼の不正行為に上司が鉄槌を下すだろう。
His boss will likely bring down the hammer on his misconduct.
Compound of 鉄 (iron) and 槌 (hammer). The figurative sense derives from the image of striking with an iron hammer.