# nails

/ˈneɪɫz/ (US) · /nˈeɪlz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/nails
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. fingernails or toenails

noun · CEFR A2

the hard, flat parts that grow on the ends of your fingers and toes.

For teachers: the horny, keratinous plates covering the dorsal surface of the distal phalanges of the fingers and toes.

- She painted her nails a bright red for the party on Saturday.
- The doctor examined the patient's nails for signs of vitamin deficiency, noting the presence of small white spots and ridges.

### 2. metal fasteners

noun · CEFR A2

small, thin pieces of metal with a sharp point used to join wood together.

For teachers: slender, pointed metal fasteners designed to be driven into wood or other materials by impact.

- He used a hammer and some nails to fix the broken fence.
- The carpenter selected galvanized nails to prevent rusting, as the outdoor structure would be constantly exposed to coastal humidity.

### 3. to do something perfectly

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to do something successfully or perfectly.

For teachers: to perform a task with complete success or precision. Transitive — requires a direct object.

- She really nails that high note at the end of the song.
- If the gymnast nails her landing during the final rotation, she is almost guaranteed to secure the gold medal.

### 4. very tough

adjective · CEFR C1 · British English · Slang

extremely tough, hard, or determined.

For teachers: possessing extreme physical or mental toughness; often used as a shortened form of the idiom 'hard as nails'.

- Don't mess with the new coach; she's absolutely nails.
- The local defenders are known for being nails, rarely conceding a goal even when facing the league's most aggressive strikers.

Teaching tip: This adjectival use is specifically British slang; in American English, speakers would almost always use the full phrase 'hard as nails'.

## Examples

- Your new haircut is totally nails.
- She practiced her presentation for weeks until her delivery was absolutely nails.
- The gymnast's landing was nails, securing the gold medal after a nearly perfect routine that left the judges with little room for deduction.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.