nail down
to make something (e.g. a decision or plan) firm or certain
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“We need to nail down the date for the party.”
“After weeks of discussion, the team finally nailed down the details of the new project.”
“The diplomats worked through the night to nail down an agreement before the deadline, knowing that any ambiguity could unravel months of careful negotiation.”
- 01
another nail in someone's coffin
An event that increases the likelihood of or causes further failure.
- 02
bite one's nails
To worry or fret over something.
- 03
final nail in the coffin
Something that is ultimately responsible for a previously prospective demise or failure.
- 04
hard as nails
Very unsympathetic; callous
- 05
hit the nail on the head
To identify something exactly; to arrive at exactly the right answer.
- 06
last nail in the coffin
Alternative form of final nail in the coffin.
- 07
nail the hammer on the head
Nonstandard form of hit the nail on the head.
- 08
spit nails
To speak or sputter in a very angry manner.
Last updated August 10, 2026