PhrasesHub

Fight tooth and nail

    Definitions

      • fight fiercely and aggressively
        To engage in a physical or verbal conflict with great intensity and determination, often in a desperate or extreme situation.

      • put up a strong defense or resistance
        To vigorously defend or resist something or someone, often against overwhelming odds or unfavorable circumstances.

      • compete or strive with great effort
        To exert great effort and determination in competing or striving for something, often against formidable opponents or obstacles.

    Examples of Fight tooth and nail

    • Sarah fought tooth and nail to win the case.

      Sarah used all her resources and put in a tremendous effort to succeed in the case. This idiom is used to describe someone who is determined to achieve their goal, even if it requires a lot of effort and struggle.

    • The team fought tooth and nail in the final match, but unfortunately, they lost.

      The team put up a fierce competition, but they couldn't overcome their opponents in the end. This idiom can also be used to describe a situation where people are putting up a strong fight, but it's not necessarily a positive outcome.

    • The politician fought tooth and nail against the bill, but it still passed.

      The politician put up a strong opposition to the bill, but unfortunately, it still got passed. This idiom can also be used to describe a situation where someone is fighting against something, but it's not necessarily a successful outcome.

    • The student fought tooth and nail to get a good grade on the exam.

      The student studied hard and put in a lot of effort to achieve a good grade on the exam. This idiom can also be used to describe a situation where someone is putting in a lot of effort to achieve a particular outcome.

    • The athlete fought tooth and nail to win the gold medal.

      The athlete trained hard and put in a tremendous effort to win the gold medal. This idiom is commonly used in sports to describe someone who is determined to win.


    Conclusion

    The phrase "fight tooth and nail" is commonly used to convey a sense of fierce and determined struggle. It can refer to physical fights or arguments, as well as figurative battles or competitions. The idiom implies a strong and unyielding attitude, and is often associated with fighting for something of great importance or value.

    In some cases, the phrase can also carry a negative connotation, suggesting a level of aggression or hostility in the fighting. However, it can also be used in a more positive manner to emphasize the strong determination and resilience of the person or group involved in the fight.

    Origin of "Fight tooth and nail"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to ancient times, where physical combat was often a literal fight for survival. The phrase "fight tooth and nail" is thought to have originated from the idea of using all of one's resources and weapons, including teeth and nails, in a physical battle.

    Over time, the phrase evolved to encompass more than just physical fighting and came to represent a fierce and determined effort in any type of struggle. Today, it is commonly used in a figurative sense to describe a determined and intense approach to any challenge or conflict.