nailed-on

British

adjective

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

While Wolves still look nailed-on for a season in the Championship next term, Rob Edwards' side have at least stopped the rot in recent weeks and are no longer on course to record the lowest points total in Premier League history.

From BBC

While there has been much speculation in recent weeks as to who would receive a pick, players like Lowry, Rahm, Aberg and Hovland looked nailed-on for selection.

From BBC

There are others who are ahead in their individual races, but they're nowhere near nailed-on like the class of 2017.

From BBC

Rugby Union Weekly: A concern at the lack of nailed-on starters?

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023