PhrasesHub

Tooth and nail

    Definitions

      • to fight fiercely and with all one's strength
        To emphasize the extreme effort and determination put into a fight or struggle

      • with great effort and determination
        To emphasize the intensity and determination with which someone pursues a goal or objective

    Examples of Tooth and nail

    • Sarah fought tooth and nail to keep her job after the company downsized, refusing to give up or back down from the competition for the remaining positions.

      The expression "tooth and nail" is used in this context to describe the intense effort and persistence that Sarah put forth to preserve her job. It implies that she was determined to cling onto it with a fierce and unyielding determination, just as an animal might defend its territory with its teeth and claws.

    • When the police were closing in on the criminal, he put up a desperate fight, clawing and biting with tooth and nail.

      This example uses the idiom to convey the idea that the criminal fought with extreme ferocity and stubbornness in the face of overwhelming odds. The phrase "tooth and nail" emphasizes the idea that the criminal was willing to use all the resources at his disposal, including his own body, to resist the police and preserve his freedom.

    • Jane and Peter had very different opinions on the matter, and the discussion soon turned into a heated argument. For the rest of the evening, they defended their positions with tooth and nail, refusing to compromise or listen to each other's arguments.

      The expression "tooth and nail" is used here to describe the intensity and vehemence of Jane and Peter's disagreement. It suggests that they were both fiercely committed to defending their position, just as an animal might defend its territory with all its strength and determination.

    • Despite the overwhelming obstacles in her path, Maria refused to give up, battling with tooth and nail until she reached the final stage of the competition.

      This example uses the phrase "tooth and nail" to convey the idea that Maria was willing to do whatever it took to succeed, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. It suggests that she was intensely focused and determined, just as an animal might exert all its physical and mental resources to overcome obstacles and achieve its goals.

    • The CEO fought tooth and nail to convince the board to approve his proposal.

      This idiom is used to describe someone who is extremely determined and persistent in achieving their goal. It highlights the intensity of the effort put in, as one would fight with their teeth and nails to achieve something they are passionate about.

    • The athlete was determined to win, and she gave it her all, tooth and nail.

      In this example, the athlete is putting in all her effort and resources into winning the competition. The idiom 'tooth and nail' signifies that she is willing to face any challenges, obstacles or competitors, no matter how difficult they are, in order to come out victorious.

    • The siblings argued tooth and nail about who gets to use the car tonight.

      In this case, the idiom 'tooth and nail' is used to describe the intense disagreement and conflict between siblings over a particular matter. It highlights the passion and intensity of their argument.

    • The team put up a fierce fight tooth and nail, but unfortunately, they were defeated in the final moments of the game.

      Here, the idiom 'tooth and nail' denotes the unrelenting and formidable efforts put in by the team till the very end of the match. It signifies that the team left no stone unturned in their effort to win the game.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "tooth and nail" is used to convey the idea of fighting fiercely and with all of one's strength. It can also be used to emphasize the great effort and determination put into a fight or struggle, as well as to highlight the intensity and determination with which someone pursues a goal or objective.

    Origin of "Tooth and nail"

    The origin of the idiom "tooth and nail" can be traced back to the 16th century. The phrase is believed to have been derived from the idea of using both teeth and nails as weapons in a physical confrontation. The image of using teeth and nails to fight illustrates the idea of fighting fiercely and with all one's strength. Over time, the idiom has evolved to convey the concept of putting in great effort and determination in various endeavors, not just physical confrontations. The phrase has become a common expression in the English language, used to emphasize the intensity and determination with which someone approaches a task or goal. Examples of this idiom can be found in literature, speeches, and everyday conversations.