tooth and nail

The expression tooth and nail is one of the idioms that often finds a place in our literature and enriches our language. However, its meaning is not fully understood, so it is sometimes used in the wrong situations. Please review the explanation carefully for the correct use of the tooth and nail idiom.

Meaning of "tooth and nail"

Meaning

The phrase "tooth and nail" is an idiom that typically means to fight or struggle as hard as possible in order to accomplish something. It is an expression that is used to emphasize how vigorously one is going to pursue something, or how much effort they are willing to put forth. It is commonly used to describe a person's dedication and determination to achieve a goal, often in a time of adversity.

Etymology

The phrase "tooth and nail" has its roots in medieval England. It is believed to have originally been used to describe knights who, in battle, would fight with both tooth and nail. This was a metaphor for the great lengths to which the knights would go in order to protect their country or honor, even to the point of using their teeth and nails to defeat their enemy. Over time, the phrase evolved to become a popular idiom in English and has been used to describe any situation where someone is putting forth a great amount of effort.

Usage

The phrase "tooth and nail" is typically used to describe someone's effort or dedication to a cause. It implies that the person is working hard and doing everything they can in order to reach a certain goal; it is also often used to describe how someone is fighting off adversity or challenging times in order to reach their goal. It can be used in both a literal and figurative sense, and is often used in a positive light to describe someone who is determined and persevering.

Example Sentences

• John fought tooth and nail to save his business from bankruptcy.
• Sally was determined to get into the college of her dreams and worked tooth and nail for her application.
• The team was determined to win the championship, and fought tooth and nail to get there.

The Surprising Origins of Everyday English Idioms

Many English idioms have surprisingly dark origins, often rooted in violence, death, and superstition. For instance, the phrase "raining cats and dogs" is said to have originated in the 17th century, when heavy rain would often cause dead animals to wash up on the streets. Meanwhile, the idiom "rule of thumb" is believed to have originated from a law that allowed men to beat their wives with a stick no thicker than their thumb.