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nailed-on

British  

adjective

  1. slang certain, definite; guaranteed to be successful

"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

Example Sentences

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Most people are thinking Brazil and Morocco are nailed-on to be the top two in Group C, but I actually think Scotland could nick a point off one of them too.

From BBC Jun. 10, 2026

Josh Tongue elevated himself to a nailed-on starter with his hostility and ability to trouble the best players in the opposition.

From BBC Jun. 2, 2026

A fully fit Stones is a nailed-on starter for England this summer.

From BBC May 21, 2026

The Wolves match feels like a nailed-on clean sheet and, given their current defensive form, you're hoping they can keep Thiago and Brentford at bay too.

From BBC Feb. 10, 2026

On paper, figure skating's team event is a nailed-on gold medal for Russian athletes.

From BBC Feb. 1, 2022

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