OpenSynonym

nailing

/ˈneɪlɪŋ/

VERB

1. Fastening or attaching objects with nails

The act of fixing one object to another by driving nails into them, or driving a nail into a surface.

1.1. Fastening and securing materials

Used when joining, attaching, or securing objects or materials with nails or similar fasteners.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The carpenter was expertly nailing the boards together to build the frame.
  • Workers were nailing wooden panels to the supporting structure.
  • The craftsman continued nailing the loose pieces into place.

Related Words

1.2. Decorating or reinforcing with nails

Used when fitting a surface with nails, studs, or similar metal projections for decoration or reinforcement.

Synonyms

  • studding
  • bossing
  • spiking

Examples

  • The artisan was nailing decorative studs onto the leather belt.
  • The workers were nailing metal ornaments onto the wooden door.
  • The shield was reinforced by nailing metal plates to its surface.

Related Words

VERB

2. Catching or apprehending someone

The act of successfully catching, capturing, arresting, or taking someone into custody.

2.1. Capturing and arresting people

Used when locating and catching a person, particularly a criminal or suspect, and taking them into custody.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The detectives were nailing the suspects after a lengthy investigation.
  • The police were nailing members of the criminal organization one by one.
  • Authorities succeeded in capturing the fugitive after several weeks of searching.

Related Words

VERB

3. Striking or hitting someone or something

The act of hitting, striking, or attacking a person or object with force, often using a weapon or another object.

3.1. Hitting and striking forcefully

Used when delivering a forceful blow or repeatedly striking someone or something with the hands, feet, or an object.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • missing
  • avoiding
  • dodging

Examples

  • The boxer was nailing his opponent with powerful punches.
  • The player kept nailing the ball with accurate strikes.
  • The attacker was repeatedly hitting the target with considerable force.

Related Words

3.2. Hitting a target accurately

Used when successfully striking a particular target with precision, especially in sports, shooting, or other activities requiring accuracy.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • missing

Examples

  • The athlete was consistently nailing the difficult jump in the routine.
  • The shooter kept hitting the target during practice.
  • The baseball player was nailing the ball with remarkable accuracy.

Related Words

VERB

4. Exposing something as false or fraudulent

The act of revealing that something is false, dishonest, fraudulent, or merely a sham.

4.1. Exposing deception and false claims

Used when uncovering a deception, exposing fraudulent behavior, or demonstrating that a claim or supposed achievement is false.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The journalist was nailing the fraudulent claims in her investigation.
  • The investigators were exposing the sham behind the company's operations.
  • The report helped discredit the misleading statements.

Related Words

VERB

5. Completing a task successfully

The act of performing or accomplishing a task completely, accurately, and successfully.

5.1. Successful performance and accomplishment

Used informally when someone performs an activity exceptionally well, completes a task successfully, or achieves the intended result.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • She was effortlessly nailing each note during the live performance.
  • The chef was focused on nailing the precise timing for the perfect doneness of the steak.
  • The athlete was consistently nailing the difficult jump in the routine.

Related Words

VERB

6. Making something certain or confirming details

The act of making something definite, certain, or conclusive, especially by confirming or establishing important details.

6.1. Confirming and establishing facts

Used in the expression "nailing down" when confirming, determining, or settling facts, arrangements, decisions, or specific details.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The detective was nailing down the crucial details that solved the mysterious case.
  • The two companies were confirming the final terms of their agreement.
  • The team was specifying the exact date for the product launch.

Related Words

VERB

7. Engaging in sexual intercourse

A vulgar or informal expression describing a male engaging in sexual intercourse with another person.

7.1. Sexual intercourse

Used as crude slang to describe a man having sexual intercourse with someone.

Synonyms

  • having sex with
  • sleeping with
  • bedding

Examples

  • The expression was used crudely to describe a man having sex with someone.
  • The character was bragging about sleeping with someone he had recently met.
  • The phrase is considered vulgar in many social settings.

Related Words

  • sexual intercourse
  • sexual activity
  • intimacy
  • sexual relations

NOUN

8. A mechanical fastening made with nails

The act or result of fastening materials together by means of nails.

8.1. Nail fastening and construction joints

Refers to a mechanical connection or fastening created by driving nails through materials to hold them together.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The strength of the wooden frame depended on proper nailing.
  • The carpenter inspected the nailing before completing the structure.
  • The construction manual explained the correct spacing for nailing the boards.

Related Words