ENGLISH
REFERENCE

nailed

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈneɪɫd// UK //nˈeɪld// nailed

v. to do something perfectly or successfully. You use this when you complete a difficult task exactly right.

v. to perform a task with complete success or precision. Often used in the past tense to describe a flawless execution of a skill or performance; informal in register.


SIMPLE

She nailed the presentation and got the promotion.

CONTEXTUAL

The gymnast nailed her landing, securing the highest score of the entire competition.

COMPLEX

While the script was mediocre, the lead actor absolutely nailed the character's complex emotional transition, turning a predictable scene into something genuinely moving.

Synonyms
Usage

Transitive; usually appears in the past tense ('nailed it') to signal completion.

© 2026 English Reference