tooth-and-nail: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘tooth-and-nail’ mean?
The idiom "tooth-and-nail" means to fight or compete fiercely and aggressively, using every means necessary to achieve victory or success.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "work one's fingers to the bone" means to work extremely hard and tirelessly, often to the point of exhaustion, in order to achieve a goal or complete a task.
The idiom "to the bone" means to do something to an extreme or exhaustive degree.
The idiom "toothpaste is out of the tube" refers to a situation where something has been said or done that cannot be undone or taken back, similar to how toothpaste cannot be put back into its container once it has been squeezed out. It emphasizes the irreversibility of certain actions or words.
The idiom "to no avail" means that someone's efforts or actions have not achieved the desired result or outcome.
The idiom "to no avail" is a phrase commonly used in English. It is an idiomatic expression that describes an unsuccessful or futile situation or effort. When something is done "to no avail," it means that the desired outcome was not achieved, despite best intentions or efforts.
The idiom "to little avail" means that despite efforts or attempts, there is little or no positive outcome or effect. It implies that something has been done without achieving the desired result or benefit.
The idiom "to death" means to an excessive or exaggerated extent, often to the point of becoming tiresome or irritating. It is used to convey the idea of repetition or overdoing something to the point of annoyance.
The idiom "to beat the band" means to do something to an extreme or impressive degree, surpassing all others. It is often used to describe high energy, loudness, or intensity.
The idiom "tit for tat" means to respond to an action with a similar action, often used when two individuals take revenge or fight against each other.
The idiom "tight squeeze" refers to a difficult or uncomfortable situation where there is little space to maneuver or escape. It is often used metaphorically to describe a challenging or constrained circumstance that requires careful navigation or resourcefulness.
Battle&Meaning
The idiom tooth-and-nail has a long and colorful history. It paints a picture of fierce and relentless combat and implies a gritty and primal form of aggression. This idiom is often used to describe a vigorous and unrestrained effort made to defend oneself or achieve a goal.
The roots of this idiom can be traced back to the practice of biting and scratching in hand-to-hand combat during the medieval era. In an era when sword fights and physical altercations were common, individuals would utilize their natural weapons as a last resort when devoid of any other means of defense.
Over time, tooth-and-nail has come to represent a broader sense of determination and resilience. It describes an unwavering commitment to overcoming obstacles and triumphing over adversity. The figurative usage of this phrase conveys the idea of a fierce struggle where every possible action is taken to ensure victory.
When we invoke the idiom tooth-and-nail, we evoke a sense of ferocity and unyielding determination. It represents the unrelenting spirit of individuals who refuse to back down in the face of adversity. In times of struggle, it may be necessary to fight with every ounce of strength, using any available means, to protect ourselves or achieve our goals.
The power of this idiom lies not only in its depiction of physical combat but also in its ability to capture the essence of the human spirit when faced with difficult challenges. It serves as a reminder that, even in the midst of the most trying situations, the indomitable strength within us can propel us forward.
One related idiom is pull teeth. This phrase is often used to describe a difficult or laborious task that requires a lot of effort and persistence. Just as pulling teeth can be a challenging and time-consuming process, tackling a difficult task can also be a struggle. It may require us to fight tooth and nail, using every available resource and putting in every ounce of effort to accomplish our goal.
Another related idiom is nip and tuck. This phrase is used to describe a close competition or a battle that is neck and neck. Like the idiom tooth-and-nail, nip and tuck implies a fierce struggle where every move counts. It conveys the idea of a situation where victory is determined by the smallest of margins, and each individual involved must give their all to come out on top.
A third related idiom is nose to the grindstone. This phrase is often used to describe someone who is working diligently and putting in a lot of effort. It conveys the image of someone who is focused and determined, with their nose figuratively pressed against a grindstone, working hard to achieve their goals. In a sense, this idiom is similar to tooth-and-nail in that it highlights the importance of hard work and perseverance in the face of adversity.
While the idiom tooth-and-nail has its concrete historical origins, its true significance lies in its ability to resonate with individuals today. As we navigate the complexities of life, this idiom serves as a timeless reminder of our capacity to fight tooth and nail for what we believe in and the lengths to which we can go to protect what is important to us.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom tooth-and-nail can be used in a sentence:
- She fought tooth-and-nail to win the gold medal.
- We will defend our rights tooth-and-nail against any infringement.
- The two rival companies competed tooth-and-nail for the lucrative contract.
More "Struggle" idioms
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