Pronunciation

/neɪl/

Definitions

• Noun: (n) A small, slender piece of metal or other hard material, typically tapering to a sharp point at one end, that is hammered into place to fasten things together or to attach something to a surface. Example: “He hammered a nail into the wall to hang the picture.”
• Verb: (v) To fix or attach something using nails. Example: “She nailed the boards together to make a bookshelf.”
• Verb: (v, informal) Achieve or accomplish with certainty or great success. Example: “He nailed the interview and got the job.”
• Verb: (v, colloquial) Identify or expose (someone) accurately and precisely. Example: “The detective nailed the suspect based on the evidence.”
• Verb: (v, informal) Criticize or reprimand severely. Example: “The boss nailed him for being consistently late.”

Phrases

• “Drive a nail into something”: To fasten something with a nail. Example: “I drove a nail into the wood to hold it steady.”
• “Hit the nail on the head”: To be exactly right or accurate about something. Example: “Her analysis hit the nail on the head regarding the cause of the problem.”
• “On the nail”: (British slang) immediately, without delay; also, referring to a cash transaction. Example: “The deal was settled on the nail.”

Example Sentences

• Noun: “A carpenter’s toolbox was filled with various sizes of nails and screws.”
• Verb: “They nailed down the roof before the storm arrived.”
• Verb (informal): “She nailed her presentation and received a standing ovation.”
• Verb (colloquial): “The teacher nailed the students who were cheating during the exam.”

Synonyms

• Fastener
• Pin
• Spike
• Bolt (in certain contexts)
• Secure (as a verb)
• Accomplish (when used in the sense of achieving something successfully)
• Expose (when used to mean identifying someone or something accurately)