English Reference

Phrasal verb

nail down

Definition

phrasal verb. to make something certain or final, like a plan or a deal. You use this when you want to get specific details so there are no more questions.

phrasal verb. to establish something definitively or to reach a final agreement. Transitive; often used in professional contexts to describe the transition from abstract ideas to concrete specifics.

Examples

“We need to nail down the date for the party.”

“After weeks of talking, the two companies finally managed to nail down the terms of the contract.”

“Despite the initial ambiguity of the proposal, the committee worked tirelessly to nail down the logistical requirements before the fiscal year ended.”

Examples

simple

“We need to nail down the date for the party.”

contextual

“After weeks of talking, the two companies finally managed to nail down the terms of the contract.”

complex

“Despite the initial ambiguity of the proposal, the committee worked tirelessly to nail down the logistical requirements before the fiscal year ended.”

Usage

Usually takes a direct object like 'details', 'dates', 'terms', or 'plans'.

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'hammer out', which implies a more difficult or argumentative process of reaching an agreement.

Pitfall

We nailed down to the plan.

We nailed down the plan.

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object without a preposition like 'to'.

Phrasal verb

Particles

down

Separability

optional

Pattern

nail + down + object

Synonyms

finalizesettleconfirmpin down

Antonyms

leave openwaver

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/nail-down
English Reference