hammer clause
n.— «Many insurance policies have what is known as a “hammer” clause, meaning that the insurer can force the insured to accept a settlement of the claim, unless the insured is willing to forego coverage or accept reduced coverage. A “hammer” clause can be particularly problematic for publishers, who may wish to continue to fight a lawsuit based on First Amendment or other journalistic principles even when pure economics would dictate a settlement.» —“Online Publishing Risks Create Need for Libel Insurance” by Michael Rothberg Online Journalism Review Feb. 20, 2004. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
In 1916, a small-town newspaper in Pennsylvania printed a fanciful item about a local gathering with a guest list that included, among others, Miss Ella Vader, Mr. Ray Zor, and other punny names. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of...
Ron in Gloverville, South Carolina, wonders about the phrase since hatchet was hammer, which some use to mean “for a long period of time,” as in My family has lived here since hatchet was hammer. Another phrase he’s heard indicating the same thing...