PhrasesHub

battled tooth and nail

    Definitions

      • fight fiercely
        To engage in a determined and aggressive struggle or conflict, using all available resources and effort

      • make a great effort
        To put in a lot of effort and determination to achieve something, often in the face of strong opposition or difficulty

    Examples of battled tooth and nail

    • Sarah battled tooth and nail to get the promotion she'd been working towards for years.

      This idiom means that Sarah put in a lot of effort and fought vigorously to achieve her goal. It can be interpreted literally, as if Sarah was actually fighting with her teeth and nails, but in this context, it's a figurative expression. Sarah faced obstacles and opposition along the way, but she remained determined and persistent, ultimately earning the promotion she deserved.

    • The two teams battled tooth and nail in the intense soccer match, with neither side willing to back down.

      In this example, the teams were engaged in a fierce competition, with both sides determined to come out on top. The idiom highlights the tenacity and determination that both teams displayed during the match.

    • As a parent, Jane knows that raising a child is not an easy task - it's a battle that requires tooth and nail.

      This idiom is used to highlight the challenges and difficulties that come with raising a child. It recognizes the fact that parenthood is not always easy, and that parents often have to put in a lot of effort and persistence to raise their children.

    • The city council has been battling tooth and nail to reduce crime rates, implementing new policies and initiatives in a bid to keep citizens safe.

      This idiom is used to highlight the effort and persistence required to tackle a challenging issue. In this example, the city council is facing the difficult task of reducing crime rates, and it has been working hard to implement new policies and initiatives in order to achieve this goal. The use of the idiom underscores the fact that this is not an easy task, and that success will require a lot of effort and determination.

    • The sales team battled tooth and nail to secure the biggest client in the company's history.

      This example is using the idiom "battled tooth and nail" in the context of a competitive situation. When a group or individual "battles tooth and nail" it means that they are fighting or competing with great determination and effort, as if using their teeth and claws to win. In this example, the sales team put in a lot of effort and determination to secure the biggest client in the company's history, indicating that it was a challenging and competitive process.

    • The two brothers had been battling tooth and nail over the family inheritance for months.

      This example is using the idiom "battled tooth and nail" to describe a dispute or disagreement between two parties. When people "battle tooth and nail" over something, it means that they are fighting or disputing with great determination and effort, as if using their teeth and claws to defend their position. In this example, the two brothers have been disagreeing and arguing fiercely over the family inheritance for a prolonged period of time, indicating that it is a contentious issue.

    • The athletes battled tooth and nail in a grueling competition.

      This example is using the idiom "battled tooth and nail" to describe a physically demanding or intense situation. When people "battle tooth and nail" in a competition or other activity, it means that they are putting in a lot of effort and determination to succeed, as if using their teeth and claws to win. In this example, the athletes are competing fiercely and putting in a lot of effort during the competition, indicating that it is a challenging and intense event.

    • The scientists have been battling tooth and nail to find a cure for the deadly virus.

      This example is using the idiom "battled tooth and nail" to describe a difficult or challenging situation. When people "battle tooth and nail" in pursuit of a goal or outcome, it means that they are working hard and persistently, as if using their teeth and claws to achieve success. In this example, the scientists are working diligently and persistently to find a cure for the deadly virus, indicating that it is a difficult and challenging task.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "battled tooth and nail" is used to describe a fierce and determined struggle or effort. It can be used to convey the idea of fighting fiercely in a conflict or making a great effort to achieve something, especially in challenging circumstances.

    In both meanings, the idiom emphasizes the use of all available resources and determination to overcome obstacles or opponents. It conveys a sense of relentless perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.

    Overall, "battled tooth and nail" is a powerful and vivid idiom that paints a picture of intense and unyielding effort in the pursuit of a goal.

    Origin of "battled tooth and nail"

    The origin of the idiom "battled tooth and nail" can be traced back to the literal meanings of the words. "Tooth and nail" refers to the use of one's teeth and fingernails as weapons in a physical fight. Over time, the idiom has evolved to represent a metaphorical struggle or effort, but its origins lie in the physical act of fighting fiercely.

    The idiom likely originated from the observation of actual physical battles, where combatants would use every part of their bodies to fiercely engage in a fight. This idea of using teeth and nails as weapons emphasizes the intense and determined nature of the struggle, which has been carried over into the metaphorical usage of the idiom.

    Overall, the origin of "battled tooth and nail" reflects the physicality and intensity of a fierce struggle, which has been metaphorically extended to describe determined efforts in various contexts.