nail down

verb

nailed down; nailing down; nails down

1

: to make (something, such as a victory) certain to happen

They need to score another touchdown to nail down the victory.

2

: to find out or identify (something) exactly

Her doctors haven't yet been able to nail down a diagnosis.

They're trying to nail down the cause of our network problems.

3

: to make (something) definite or final

nail down a decision

Examples of nail down in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Decorations such as a flower vase have been nailed down in an effort to deter vandalism. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2026

In the meantime, the challenges that lie ahead for Kubicek include nailing down a higher state subsidy than Tri-Rail received last year, and completing an overhauled fare system which will see passengers pay an extra 10% starting in October. — David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 24 July 2026

Dairy contains whey protein that may benefit glucose regulation, which may partially explain the association, though the research doesn't nail down cause and effect. — Allison Aubrey, NPR, 13 July 2026

The items are permanently nailed down or secured in order to prevent Houseguests from moving pieces. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026

Rhymes for nail down

• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown
• godown
• hometown