One nail drives out another: Learn what the means through example!

What does “One nail drives out another” mean?

"One nail drives out another" means that when one problem or difficulty is resolved, it is often replaced by another problem or difficulty.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I finally finished my project, but now I have another one to deal with. One nail drives out another.

Example

I thought getting a new job would solve all my problems, but it seems like one nail drives out another.

Example

I fixed my car, but now my computer is acting up. One nail drives out another

Is “One nail drives out another” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“One nail drives out another” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “One nail drives out another” effectively in context?

You can use "One nail drives out another" to express the idea that when one problem or difficulty is resolved, another one arises. It emphasizes the continuous cycle of challenges in life. For example, if a friend complains about having to deal with a new issue after resolving a previous one, you might say, 'Well, you know what they say, one nail drives out another.'

• 1. Work

  I finally finished my project, but now I have another one to deal with. One nail drives out another.

• 2. Life

  I thought getting a new job would solve all my problems, but it seems like one nail drives out another.

• 3. Technology

  I fixed my car, but now my computer is acting up. One nail drives out another.

Similar phrases to “One nail drives out another”:

Out of the frying pan and into the fire

To go from a bad situation to an even worse one

Example

He thought quitting his job would solve his problems, but he ended up in an even worse job. It's like going out of the frying pan and into the fire.

Meet the devil you don't know

To face a new problem or challenge that is unknown or unfamiliar

Example

She decided to leave her current job, but now she has to meet the devil she doesn't know.

When it rains, it pours

When one bad thing happens, many more bad things also happen

Example

First, she lost her job, and then her car broke down. When it rains, it pours.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “One nail drives out another” come from?

The origin of the phrase "One nail drives out another" is unknown.

Is “One nail drives out another” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "One nail drives out another" is not very common in everyday conversation. It is more commonly used in writing or in specific contexts where people want to express the idea of one problem being replaced by another.

What tone does “One nail drives out another” have?

"One nail drives out another" conveys a tone of resignation and acceptance. It suggests that challenges are a natural part of life and that one should expect new difficulties to arise even after overcoming previous ones.

Can “One nail drives out another” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "One nail drives out another" is relatively formal and may not be used in casual conversations. It is more likely to be encountered in written texts or in more serious discussions.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

The phrase "One nail drives out another" is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'One nail drives out another' to imply the continuous cycle of challenges.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• one problem begets another
• troubles never come singly
• when one door closes, another opens

Antonyms

• smooth sailing
• one problem solved, no more to follow
• problem-free