1
as in hitting
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner
the boxer nailed his opponent with a devastating left hook
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2
as in deciding
to make final, definite, or beyond dispute
this latest infidelity nails it—I'm filing for divorce
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3
as in exposing
to reveal the true nature of
an investigative report that nailed the teenage novelist as someone who had plagiarized the works of others
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4
as in arresting
to take or keep under one's control by authority of law
the very first time I tried to steal anything, I got nailed
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5
as in grabbing
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly
the running back saw the pass coming in and nailed it
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Thesaurus Entries Near nailing
Cite this Entry
“Nailing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nailing. Accessed 7 Jun. 2023.
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More from Merriam-Webster on nailing
Nglish: Translation of nailing for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of nailing for Arabic Speakers
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