as in full steam ahead
with all power or resources being used
I'll fight tooth and nail to win the finals
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Recent Examples of tooth and nail
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
Despite the fact that warning labels on cigarettes have saved millions of lives, the tobacco industry fought tooth and nail against them to keep consumers in the dark.
—Alan K. Chen, The Conversation, 18 Dec. 2025
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro will likely resist tooth and nail.
—Jordan Blum, Fortune, 14 Dec. 2025
In the trailer for The Drama, a new movie from A24, Emma and Charlie (Zendaya and Robert Pattinson) meet with their wedding photographer, who’s fighting tooth and nail to try to get some chemistry between a couple about to get married.
—Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tooth and nail
J.c. Hallman, Oklahoma Watch, 22 Jan. 2026
Despite the fact that warning labels on cigarettes have saved millions of lives, the tobacco industry fought tooth and nail against them to keep consumers in the dark.
—Alan K. Chen, The Conversation, 18 Dec. 2025
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro will likely resist tooth and nail.
—Jordan Blum, Fortune, 14 Dec. 2025
In the trailer for The Drama, a new movie from A24, Emma and Charlie (Zendaya and Robert Pattinson) meet with their wedding photographer, who’s fighting tooth and nail to try to get some chemistry between a couple about to get married.
—Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tooth and nail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tooth and nail
all out
Adverb
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As for all the construction around town, it's expected that crews will clean up and get it all out of the way in time for the draft.—
Chris Hoffman,
CBS News,
23 Mar. 2026
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Their unpaid labor is valued at $600 billion annually, more than all out-of-pocket health spending in the country combined.—
Neal K. Shah,
Boston Herald,
17 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tooth and nail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tooth%20and%20nail. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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