Synonym for overdoing something/taking too wide an approach

Question

I'm looking for an idiom or a synonym for a situation when someone has taken a heavy handed measure that achieves the desired effect, but also goes above this, affecting things that aren't a problem.

For example:

If one tree is diseased, but the surrounding ones are fine, chopping down all of the trees.

I'm sure there's a phrase for this. I thought of "using a sledgehammer to crack a nut" but I'm sure there's something specific.

Answer 1

"use a sledgehammer to crack a nut" is appropriate to use.

to do something with more force than is necessary to achieve the result you want

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overkill can be used also.

An excess of what is necessary or appropriate for a particular end

Answer 2

There is the old unattributed and contested pseudo-quote by reporter Peter Arnett in the Vietnam War

"We had to destory the village in order to save it"

Answer 3

The word blunderbuss can be used figuratively to describe such an imprecise, indiscriminate or heavy-handed approach. Oxforddictionaries.com provides the following definition of this usage:

An action or way of doing something regarded as lacking in subtlety and precision: economists resort too quickly to the blunderbuss of regulation

Answer 4

Try going over the top.

I also like ermanen's suggestion of overkill for needlessly cutting down trees, because that works both figuratively and literally.

Answer 5

Casting a broad net. Addresses the "taking too wide an approach" part.

Answer 6

Consider the expression not do things by half measures.

half measure: a partial, halfhearted, or weak line of actio

Answer 7

I like "Draconian" if overly harsh measures were taken.

Taking the "Nuclear Option" if you want to ruin everything to get rid of some things also works.

Answer 8

Consider The cure is worse than the desease, i.e. the solution or proposed solution to a problem produces a worse net result than the problem does.

Answer 9

Consider The cure is worse than the desease, i.e. the solution or proposed solution to a problem produces a worse net result than the problem does.

This idiom may fit if the collateral dammages are too high compared to desired effect(s).

Answer 10

One who acts superfluously:

1.being more than is sufficient or required; excessive. 2.unnecessary or needless. 3.Obsolete. possessing or spending more than enough or necessary; extravagant.