nail down

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See synonyms for nail down on Thesaurus.com

verb (tr, adverb)

to fasten down with or as if with nails

informal to extort a definite promise or consent fromI nailed him down on the deadline

informal to settle in a definite waythey nailed down the agreement

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CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Words nearby nail down

nail-biter, nail-biting, nail bomb, nailbrush, nailclipper, nail down, nailed-on, nail enamel, nailer, nailer joist, nail file

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

How to use nail down in a sentence

Not enough that Democrats can win Arkansas, God knows, but maybe enough that they can nail down North Carolina again.
Inside the Democrats’ Godawful Midterm Election Wipeout|Michael Tomasky|November 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
August isn't really the time to be trying to nail down the scary-lazy-black-people and the Democrats-hate-God voting blocs.
The "War on Religion": Still Placating the Base|Michael Tomasky|August 9, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Actually, hard numbers on the safety of home birth are surprisingly difficult to nail down.
Home Birth: Increasingly Popular, But Dangerous|Michelle Goldberg|June 25, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Romney, for his part, still cannot win blue-collar votes and still cannot nail down evangelical support.
Daily Beast Contributors Weigh In on Super Tuesday Results||March 7, 2012|DAILY BEAST

We were trying to nail down the schedule for it to air, with the goal of it being Thursday night.
Newt Gingrich’s Punching Bag at CNN Debate: Moderator John King|Howard Kurtz|January 21, 2012|DAILY BEAST
I recovered just as the people were about to nail down the hatches; perceiving which, I desired them to stop.
The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, Or Gustavus Vassa, The African|Olaudah Equiano
In other words, I was trying to nail down where this lie started.
Warren Commission (5 of 26): Hearings Vol. V (of 15)|The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy
We shall nail down the transom and stuff the keyhole with soap if you do.
Grace Harlowe's Plebe Year at High School|Jessie Graham Flower
Ryan at once took out the saw, poured some oil on it, and passed his nail down the bar until he found a fine nick.
Under Wellington's Command|G. A. Henty
Nail down the rear end upon floor to its widest spread, with hind legs pointing back on a slight slant.
Taxidermy|Leon Luther Pray

Other Idioms and Phrases with nail down

nail down

Establish conclusively, as in The reporter nailed down the story by checking all the facts. This metaphoric expression alludes to fixing or fastening something down with nails. [c. 1600]

nail down

Words nearby nail down

Words related to nail down

How to use nail down in a sentence

Other Idioms and Phrases with nail down