nail

nail1 [ neıl ] noun count **

1. ) a thin pointed piece of metal that you use to attach one thing to another by hitting it with a hammer

2. ) the smooth hard part that grows over the ends of your fingers and toes:

to cut/file your nails

I've told you before not to bite your nails.

hard/tough as nails

not affected by emotions such as sadness or sympathy

a nail in the coffin

one of a series of events or actions that seriously harm someone or something:

These job losses are the final nail in the region's coffin.

on the nail INFORMAL

1. ) correct:

Her comments about their relationship were right on the nail.

2. ) BRITISH if you pay on the nail, you pay immediately

=> HIT1

nail

nail 2 [ neıl ] verb transitive *

1. ) nail to/across/over/together to attach one thing to another with a nail or nails:

He nailed the No Smoking sign to the wall.

Boards had been nailed over the front door.

nail something shut: The windows are nailed shut.

2. ) INFORMAL to prove that someone has done something wrong or illegal:

They finally nailed Capone for tax evasion.

3. ) AMERICAN INFORMAL to do something in a perfect way, especially in sport:

She nailed her final jump and won the gold medal.

,nail `down phrasal verb transitive

1. ) INFORMAL to make someone agree to something or tell you what they are going to do:

I'll try to nail Jim down about the date.

2. ) INFORMAL to definitely decide, arrange, or complete something:

They're on the verge of getting the agreement nailed down.

3. ) to attach something firmly in position with a nail or nails

,nail `up phrasal verb transitive

1. ) to use nails to fasten a door or window firmly shut

2. ) to attach something to a wall with a nail or nails