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What is "to be on the anvil"

The Collaborative International Dictionary
To be on the anvil

Anvil \An"vil\, n. [OE. anvelt, anfelt, anefelt, AS. anfilt, onfilt; of uncertain origin; cf. OHG. anafalz, D. aanbeld.]

  1. An iron block, usually with a steel face, upon which metals are hammered and shaped.

  2. Anything resembling an anvil in shape or use. Specifically (Anat.), the incus. See Incus.

    To be on the anvil, to be in a state of discussion, formation, or preparation, as when a scheme or measure is forming, but not matured.
    --Swift.