nail [countable]
1 a thin pointed piece of metal with a flat top, which you hit into a surface with a hammer, for example to join things together or to hang something on:
The key was hanging on a nail by the door.She hammered a nail into the wall.
2 your nails are the hard smooth layers on the ends of your fingers and toes:
I've broken my nail.Stop biting your nails!She sat painting her nails (=putting a coloured substance on them).He still had dirt under his nails.
3
nail in somebody's/something's coffin
one of several bad things which help to destroy someone's success or hopes:
Observers fear that this strike will be another nail in the coffin of the industry.the final nail in his coffin
4
as hard/tough as nails
very tough and not easily frightened, or not caring about the effects of your actions on other people
5
on the nail
a) British English if you pay money on the nail, you pay it immediately
b) especially American English completely correct:
They got it absolutely on the nail.
➔ hit the nail on the head
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.
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