nail down
The phrase "nail down" is versatile, used both literally and figuratively to describe securing or finalizing something.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B2Construction
(literal)To fasten something securely using nails.
Example
- They nailed down the loose floorboard to prevent accidents.
- The carpenter nailed down the planks to build the deck.
B2Decision Making
(figurative, informal)To make a decision, agreement, or plan firm and definite.
Example
- After a long discussion, they finally nailed down the terms of the contract.
- We need to nail down the date for the meeting.
B2Identification
(figurative, informal)To precisely determine or identify something.
Example
- The detective nailed down the suspect's location.
- Scientists are trying to nail down the exact cause of the phenomenon.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "nail down":
nail itpin downfasten downbatten downtie downknuckle downlock innail in one's coffinput a pin infirm uptie uptighten updial it insettle onlock intolock down