on the nail

1. Under discussion or consideration, as in The subject of the budget deficit has been on the nail for some time . [Late 1800s] The precise allusion in these expressions has been lost. Neither has any connection to hit the nail on the head (see under hit the bull's-eye ).

2. Immediately, without delay, as in He paid us back on the nail . [c. 1600]

Example Sentences

Ohtani had a small crack on the nail of his middle finger heading into his start against the Chicago White Sox on June 27.

From Los Angeles Times

But it felt a little too hammer on the nail.

From New York Times

Is the UV light on the nail drier at the salon a problem?

From Washington Post

But as Reynolds explained, with a smile on his face and a smiley face painted on the nail of his middle finger, the American export of skateboarding — as a sport and a culture — is global.

From New York Times

“Leaving the clear part on the nail is more sexy than when you get nail art on fully covered nails,” Ms. Kawajiri said.

From New York Times

Related Words

• absolutely
• altogether
• carefully
• completely
• correctly
• definitely
• explicitly
• indeed
• literally
• precisely
• quite
• specifically
• strictly
• totally
• truly