Definition & Meaning of "nail"in English

to nail

VERB

to attach something securely by using small pointed metal pieces

Transitive: to nail sth | to nail sth to a support structure

Examples

The carpenter will nail the wooden boards together to construct the frame of the house.

They are nailing the fence panels for added security.

to easily succeed at doing something

Transitive: to nail a task or activity

Slang

Examples

She nailed the interview and got the job on the spot.

Despite his nerves, he nailed the presentation and impressed the entire board.

to find or catch someone for doing something wrong or illegal

Transitive: to nail sb

Examples

The detective finally nailed the suspect after months of surveillance.

The undercover agent was able to nail the smugglers in a sting operation.

to hit the ball forcefully and accurately

Transitive: to nail a ball

Examples

With a swift swing, she nailed the tennis ball across the court, scoring a clean winner.

Despite the pressure, he managed to nail the crucial penalty kick, securing victory for his team.

to clearly and unmistakably establish or identify something

Transitive: to nail sth

Examples

The artist nailed every detail of the landscape, capturing its essence with stunning accuracy.

Despite the complexity of the problem, the engineer nailed the solution on the first try.

Nail

NOUN

a small strong pointy metal that is inserted into walls or wooden objects using a hammer to hang things from or fasten them together

Examples

He used a nail to secure the wooden boards in place.

The box of nails included various sizes for different projects.

the hard, thin layer on the upper surface of the tip of the finger and toe

What is a "nail"?

A nail is a protective structure composed of keratin located at the end of each finger and toe. It serves as a shield, covering the fingertip or toe, and acts as a barrier against potential damage and infection. Nails also contribute to tactile sensation and enhance sensitivity in the fingertips. They can grow and be trimmed, and their appearance can be influenced by various factors, including health and personal care habits. Understanding the anatomy and function of nails is important for maintaining nail health, hygiene, and overall hand and foot function.

Examples

She painted her nails a bright red color to match her dress for the party.

His nails were neatly trimmed, and he always kept them clean and well-maintained.

a former unit of length for cloth equal to 1/16 of a yard

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