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tooth and nail

adverb

: 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.
Starbucks has fought these efforts tooth and nail along the way. Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 23 Nov. 2025 Ex-Prince Andrew fighting 'tooth and nail' to keep daughters protected from royal fallout. FOXNews.com, 21 Nov. 2025 The star of Lynne Ramsey's new film (which is looking like a strong contender in the 2026 Oscars race) has become a standard bearer for those who defend bangs tooth and nail. Pamela Vázquez, Glamour, 11 Nov. 2025 Real Madrid has fought the Miami match tooth and nail, accusing Tebas of chasing attention and destabilizing the league. Asli Pelit, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025 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 2 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

tooth and nail

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