blockbuster Something extremely forceful, violent, or effective; a success, a winner, a hit. The term owes its origin to the name given the highly destructive bombs dropped on industrial targets in Britain during World War II.

corker A clincher or a sockdolager, something that settles the question or closes the discussion; also, a lollapalooza; something striking, astonishing, or extraordinary. In use since 1837, this slang term probably derives from the image of a cork “capping a bottle” (the first three meanings) or flying off a champagne bottle with a bang (the latter meanings). Corker was also a baseball term in the late 19th century.

haymaker Any extremely forceful or effective argument, statement, ploy, maneuver, etc., especially a decisive and culminating one. The term is boxing slang for a violent punch or knockout blow. Hay is grass or alfalfa which has been cut or mowed down. Similarly, the recipient of a haymaker in a pugilistic encounter is “cut down.” Mow (someone) down is a related expression.

the old one-two Any especially effective combination of two persons or things; a double whammy. The reference is to boxing and the highly effective combination punch consisting of a left jab immediately followed by a hard right cross, usually to the opponent’s jaw and intended as a knockout blow.

put teeth into To make effective or enforceable; to give meaning or substance to. Webster’s Third cites a contemporary use by E. O. Hauser:

The expression is most often used with reference to legislation.

sledge-hammer argument A single statement or ploy which completely dissolves the opposition in a disagreement; a clincher. A sledge-hammer is a large, weighty hammer which, if used as a weapon, can easily incapacitate the victim. This expression is heard infrequently today.