nails
n. · v. · adj.-
1 fingernails or toenails (n.) A2 Elementary Medicinethe hard, flat parts that grow on the ends of your fingers and toes.
the horny, keratinous plates covering the dorsal surface of the distal phalanges of the fingers and toes.
ExampleShe painted her nails a bright red for the party on Saturday.
ExampleThe doctor examined the patient's nails for signs of vitamin deficiency, noting the presence of small white spots and ridges.
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2 metal fasteners (n.) A2 Elementarysmall, thin pieces of metal with a sharp point used to join wood together.
slender, pointed metal fasteners designed to be driven into wood or other materials by impact.
ExampleHe used a hammer and some nails to fix the broken fence.
ExampleThe carpenter selected galvanized nails to prevent rusting, as the outdoor structure would be constantly exposed to coastal humidity.
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3 to do something perfectly (v.) B2 Upper Intermediate Informalto do something successfully or perfectly.
to perform a task with complete success or precision. Transitive — requires a direct object.
ExampleShe really nails that high note at the end of the song.
ExampleIf the gymnast nails her landing during the final rotation, she is almost guaranteed to secure the gold medal.
- fail
- botch
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4 very tough (adj.) C1 Advanced British English Slangextremely tough, hard, or determined.
possessing extreme physical or mental toughness; often used as a shortened form of the idiom 'hard as nails'.
ExampleDon't mess with the new coach; she's absolutely nails.
ExampleThe 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'.