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
The film is the true story of John Tuggle, the last pick in the 1983 NFL Draft by the New York Giants who fought tooth and nail to make the team, the first final draft pick to do so, and would go on to win Special Teams Player of the Year.
—
Brian Welk, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2026
Worse still, since losing a four-point game to Edmonton that set in motion a shift from cruising atop the division to fighting tooth and nail for seeding, the Ducks’ game seems to be drifting farther away with each passing date.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 8 Apr. 2026
Trump has fought tooth and nail in court to suspend wind energy projects that are fully permitted, under contract and under construction across the eastern seaboard.
—Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for tooth and nail
Brian Welk, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2026
Worse still, since losing a four-point game to Edmonton that set in motion a shift from cruising atop the division to fighting tooth and nail for seeding, the Ducks’ game seems to be drifting farther away with each passing date.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 8 Apr. 2026
Trump has fought tooth and nail in court to suspend wind energy projects that are fully permitted, under contract and under construction across the eastern seaboard.
—Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for tooth and nail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tooth and nail
all out
Adverb
-
For a no-makeup makeup look, wear the product on its own with a simple swipe of mascara; or go all out by adding concealer, eyeshadow, and lipstick for a full-glam moment.—
Jenny Berg,
Glamour,
29 May 2026
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Some nail artists go all out with bold 3D lime decals that encapsulate the entire nail, while others opt for sleek lime green details on a nude base.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tooth and nail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tooth%20and%20nail. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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