nails
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.the hard, flat parts that grow on the ends of your fingers and toes.
n.the horny, keratinous plates covering the dorsal surface of the distal phalanges of the fingers and toes.
Simple“She painted her nails a bright red for the party on Saturday.”
In context“The doctor examined the patient's nails for signs of vitamin deficiency, noting the presence of small white spots and ridges.”
Synonyms - 02 A2 Elementary
n.small, thin pieces of metal with a sharp point used to join wood together.
n.slender, pointed metal fasteners designed to be driven into wood or other materials by impact.
Simple“He used a hammer and some nails to fix the broken fence.”
In context“The carpenter selected galvanized nails to prevent rusting, as the outdoor structure would be constantly exposed to coastal humidity.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to do something successfully or perfectly.
v.to perform a task with complete success or precision. Transitive — requires a direct object.
Simple“She really nails that high note at the end of the song.”
In context“If the gymnast nails her landing during the final rotation, she is almost guaranteed to secure the gold medal.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
adj.extremely tough, hard, or determined.
adj.possessing extreme physical or mental toughness; often used as a shortened form of the idiom 'hard as nails'.
Simple“Don't mess with the new coach; she's absolutely nails.”
In context“The local defenders are known for being nails, rarely conceding a goal even when facing the league's most aggressive strikers.”
Teacher's tipThis adjectival use is specifically British slang; in American English, speakers would almost always use the full phrase 'hard as nails'.
“She is glamorous with bobbed blond hair, gleaming nails and a trendy red trouser suit.”
“Sprinter Amy Hunt has been showing off her nails at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham.”