Definition of nail - Reverso English Dictionary
Noun
1.
medicalthin hard part at the end of fingers or toes
- She painted her nail bright red.
2.
constructionmetal fastener with a pointed end and flat head
- He used a nail to hang the picture.
3.
measurementRare UK archaic unit of length equal to 2.25 inchesRare UK
- The cloth was measured using a nail.
Verb
1.
constructionfasten something using a metal spike
- He nailed the picture to the wall.
2.
successachieve something successfully
- She nailed the presentation and impressed everyone.
3.
accuracyhit a target accurately
- She nailed the bullseye with her first shot.
4.
deceptionexpose someone's deception or exaggeration
- He nailed him on the false claims during the debate..
5.
law enforcementUS catch someone doing something wrongUS
- The police nailed the thief in the act.
Images of nail
metal fastener with a pointed end and flat head
Expressions with nail
💡 Discover popular phrases, idioms, collocations, or phrasal verbs. Click any expression to learn more, listen to its pronunciation, or save it to your favorites.
close or seal something with nails
He had to nail up the window to keep the cold out.
make a decision firm or certain
We need to nail down the meeting date.
person who bites their nails
She has been a nail biter since childhood.
accurately identify or describe something
He nailed it with his analysis.
state or recognize the main point with complete accuracy
You really hit the nail on the head with that explanation.
event causing failure or end
The final nail in the coffin was the CEO's resignation.
punish or confront someone strictly for their actions
They nailed him to the wall for his mistakes.
finish a jump or routine with a perfect landing
She nailed the landing after her flip.
hammer a nail until fully embedded
He used a hammer to drive a nail home.
expose a false statement as untrue
She managed to nail a lie during the debate.
make something certain or definite
We need to nail it down before the meeting.
perform exceptionally well in an audition
She nailed the audition and got the lead role.
fight or act with extreme effort and determination
They fought tooth and nail to win the game.
action causing harm or damage
Every skipped workout is another nail in his coffin.
try to do something that is very hard or impossible
He tried to nail Jell-O to a wall by fixing the broken system.
show firm belief or intention without hiding or retreating
She decided to nail her colors to the mast and support the new policy.
establishment specializing in manicures and pedicures
She booked an appointment at the nail bar for a manicure..
small brush for cleaning fingernails
She used a nail brush to clean her nails.
device for trimming fingernails and toenails
I always carry a nail cutter in my bag.
tool used to shape and smooth the nails
She used a nail file to shape her fingernails.
colored liquid applied to fingernails or toenails
She chose a bright red nail polish for the party..
solvent used to remove nail polish
She used nail polish remover to clean her nails.
small scissors for cutting fingernails and toenails
She used nail scissors to trim her nails.
close something by driving nails into it
They decided to nail shut the old wooden crate.
Origin of nail
Old English, nægel (nail)
Terms with nail included in their meaning
💡 A powerful way to uncover related words, idioms, and expressions linked by the same idea — and explore meaning beyond exact word matches.
nail or plant
hand tool with blades for cutting nails or plants
construction
drive a nail or object into a surface
construction
drive a nail or object into a surface using a hammer
hardware
small nail with a flat head
nail care
person who cares for hands and nails professionally
bird toe
curved pointed nail on animal's foot
nail care
initial layer of nail polish for protection
nail skin
layer of clear skin at the base of fingernails and toenails
cosmetics
part of a nail extending beyond the fingertip or toe tip
animal
sharp curved nail on the foot of a bear
nail care
tool for filing and shaping nails
tools
slender nail with a narrow head
tool
small nail with a slight projection
construction
unit of nail size
nail
bend a nail's point to secure it
carpentry
fastening made by bending a nail
hardware
short, flat-headed nail
temporary attachment
attach temporarily with a small nail
glazing
small nail used in glazing
farriery
the act of driving a nail into a horse's foot
construction
nail used for framing in construction
construction
small headless nail
shoemaking
nail the sole onto a shoe
medical
pertaining to the thin skin at nail base
Examples of nail in a sentence
The nail broke while she was gardening. The carpenter reached for a nail to fix the chair. She found a rusty nail on the ground. He bought fabric by the nail. A nail was used to gauge the length. She nailed the sign to the fence.
They nailed the boards together securely. He nailed the interview and got the job. They nailed the routine and won first place. He nailed the presentation with confidence. The quarterback nailed the pass to win the game. The journalist nailed the politician on his inconsistent statements. She nailed her colleague for lying about the project. They nailed the suspect with solid evidence. The detective nailed him for the fraud.
View all translations of nail
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:ongle, clouer, ...
- German:Nagel, nageln, ...
- Italian:unghia, inchiodare, ...
- Spanish:uña, clavar, ...
- Portuguese:unha, pregar, ...
- Chinese:指甲, 钉, ...
- Japanese:爪, 釘で打ち付ける, ...
- Arabic:ظُفْر, ثَبَّتَ, ...
- Hebrew:צִיפּוֹרֶן, לְמַסְמֵר, ...
- Russian:ноготь, прибивать, ...
- Ukrainian:ніготь, прибити, ...
- Hindi:नाखून, कील से टांगना, ...
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