OpenSynonym

nails

/neɪlz/

NOUN

1. Hard protective plates at the ends of fingers and toes

The thin, hard, horny plates covering the ends of human fingers and toes and serving to protect the underlying tissue.

1.1. Claws and horny structures in animals

Refers to the hard terminal structures found on the digits, beaks, or feet of certain animals, including birds.

Synonyms

  • claws
  • talons

Examples

  • The eagle used its sharp nails to grip its prey.
  • The bird's powerful talons helped it catch small animals.
  • The duck's beak has a hard terminal structure known as a nail.

Related Words

  • beaks
  • horny plates
  • digits
  • keratin
  • hooves
  • bird claws

NOUN

2. Pointed metal fasteners used in construction

Slender, pointed metal spikes with heads, driven into materials to fasten or join them together.

2.1. Metal fasteners for joining materials

Refers to metal fasteners used to attach pieces of wood or other materials by driving them through the materials with a hammer or similar tool.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The carpenter carefully hammered the nails into the wooden frame.
  • The DIY enthusiast organized various sizes of nails in the toolbox.
  • The old wooden crate was held together with rusty nails.

Related Words

VERB

3. To fasten or attach objects using nails

To fix an object to another object by driving nails through them, or to drive nails into a surface.

3.1. Fastening and securing materials

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

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The carpenter nails the wooden boards together to build a fence.
  • She nails the picture frame to the wall.
  • Workers nail the panels securely to the supporting structure.

Related Words

3.2. Decorating or reinforcing surfaces with nails

Used when fitting or ornamenting a surface with nails, studs, or similar metal projections.

Synonyms

  • studs
  • spikes
  • bosses

Examples

  • The craftsman nails decorative metal studs along the leather strap.
  • The workers nail ornamental pieces onto the wooden door.
  • The shield is reinforced with metal fittings attached by nails.

Related Words

VERB

4. To catch or apprehend someone

To catch, capture, or take someone into custody, especially a person suspected of committing a crime.

4.1. Capturing and arresting people

Used when successfully locating, catching, or arresting a person, particularly a criminal or suspect.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The police finally nail the suspect after months of investigation.
  • The detectives nail several members of the criminal organization.
  • Authorities catch the fugitive before he can leave the country.

Related Words

VERB

5. To strike or hit someone or something

To hit or strike a person or object effectively, often with considerable force or precision.

5.1. 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

  • misses
  • dodges
  • avoids

Examples

  • The boxer nails his opponent with a powerful punch.
  • The baseball player nails the ball with a powerful swing.
  • The fighter nails his opponent with a series of accurate strikes.

Related Words

5.2. Hitting or reaching a target accurately

Used when successfully striking, tagging, or reaching a particular target with precision.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • misses

Examples

  • The athlete nails the target during the competition.
  • The shooter nails the center of the target.
  • The player nails the ball with remarkable accuracy.

Related Words

VERB

6. To expose something as false or fraudulent

To reveal that something is false, dishonest, fraudulent, or merely a sham.

6.1. Exposing deception and false claims

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

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The journalist nails the fraudulent claims in her investigation.
  • The report exposes the company's misleading advertising practices.
  • Investigators uncover the deception behind the elaborate scheme.

Related Words

VERB

7. To accomplish a task completely and successfully

To perform or complete a task, activity, or performance very successfully and accurately.

7.1. Successful performance and accomplishment

Used informally when someone performs a task exceptionally well or achieves the intended result.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • She nails the presentation and impresses the entire audience.
  • The chef nails the recipe despite its complicated instructions.
  • The athlete nails the difficult routine during the final performance.

Related Words

VERB

8. To make something certain or confirm it

To make something definite, certain, or conclusive, especially by confirming or establishing important details.

8.1. Confirming and establishing facts

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

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • confuses
  • muddies
  • muddles
  • unsettles

Examples

  • The two companies nail down the terms of their agreement.
  • The team nails down the final date for the product launch.
  • The investigation nails down exactly what happened.

Related Words

VERB

9. To engage in sexual intercourse

A vulgar or informal expression meaning for a male to engage in sexual intercourse with another person.

9.1. Sexual intercourse

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

Synonyms

  • has sex with
  • sleeps with
  • beds

Examples

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

Related Words

  • sexual intercourse
  • sexual activity
  • intimacy
  • sexual relations

VERB

10. To drive a spike into an object

To drive a pointed object, such as a nail or spike, into a surface or material.

10.1. Driving spikes and piercing materials

Used when driving a pointed metal object into a material, including the historical or specialized sense of spiking a cannon.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The workers nail the wooden surface with long metal spikes.
  • The historical account describes how soldiers nailed the cannon to prevent its use.
  • The carpenter drives pointed fasteners into the timber.

Related Words