fight tooth and nail

1. Engage in vigorous combat or make a strenuous effort, using all one's resources. For example, I'm going to fight tooth and nail for that promotion. This expression, with its allusion to biting and scratching, was first recorded in 1576.

Example Sentences

“They will fight tooth and nail over everything.”

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"We had to fight tooth and nail for that result," said Smith.

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“Instead, they are paying a law firm to fight tooth and nail against obligations that are clear in the settlement agreement — and that a judge has affirmed they are in violation of.”

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"This company which has been here for more than 150 years we will fight tooth and nail to protect and maintain jobs for future generations," he said.

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Ms Byrne said she had seen pupils in their final years of secondary school who could "barely read and write" and had had to "fight tooth and nail" to get support for her own child.

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