on the nail
Idioms-
Immediately, without delay, as in He paid us back on the nail . [c. 1600]
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Under discussion or consideration, as in The subject of the budget deficit has been on the nail for some time . [Late 1800s] The precise allusion in these expressions has been lost. Neither has any connection to hit the nail on the head (see under hit the bull's-eye ).
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.
It’s well-known that when the only tool you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail; the relationship eventually takes its toll on the nail, too.
From Slate ● Dec. 19, 2024
Ohtani had a small crack on the nail of his middle finger heading into his start against the Chicago White Sox on June 27.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 1, 2023
“He covers so much space on the nail stunting for guys, getting hands contested, getting those long 50-50 balls,” Wizards forward Jared Dudley said of Porter.
From Washington Post ● Nov. 16, 2015
A few days after the fund-raiser, Mr. Kim stood on the dais at the bill signing, thanking the governor for letting him take the lead on the nail salon law.
From New York Times ● Nov. 8, 2015
Instead he chews on the nail of his left forefinger, a sure sign that he’s worried.
From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
