tooth and nail

adverb

Synonyms of tooth and nailnext
: with every available means : all out
fight tooth and nail

Examples of tooth and nail in a Sentence

I'll fight tooth and nail to win the finals.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And Philadelphia is fighting tooth and nail to stay in the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference, because that’s the final one that guarantees a playoff berth. Tony Jones, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026 That likely means that businesses will have to fight tooth and nail for any chance at a refund — even though the government keeps meticulous records of all tariff payments. Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026 Jon ascends to the status of Lord Commander, uniting disparate forces against the White Walkers, while Sansa fights tooth and nail to become the tough Queen in the North. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Feb. 2026 In a separate bad-faith case that is still ongoing, the insurance department has fought tooth and nail to prevent an investigation of the state’s largest writer of homeowners insurance. J.c. Hallman, Oklahoma Watch, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tooth and nail

Word History

First Known Use

1550, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tooth and nail was in 1550

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tooth and nail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tooth%20and%20nail. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

tooth and nail

adverb
: as hard as one can
fighting tooth and nail
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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