nail

I UK [neɪl] / US noun [countable]
Word forms "nail":
singular nail plural nails
**

1) a thin pointed piece of metal that you use to fix 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

- on the nail

See:

hit I

II UK [neɪl] / US verb [transitive]
Word forms "nail":
present tense I/you/we/they nail he/she/it nails present participle nailing past tense nailed past participle nailed
*

1) to fix one thing to another with a nail or nails

nail to/across/over/together:

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) mainly American informal to do something in a perfect way, especially in sport

•

nail a rumour/lie — British

informal to show that something is not true

I think we need to nail these lies about the deal.

- nail your colours to the mast

Phrasal verbs:

- nail down

- nail up