What are the definitions of “nail down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Succeed in getting, achieve.
They are having trouble NAILING DOWN the contract.
- 2Understand fully.
I can't NAIL DOWN what's wrong with their idea, but I'm sure it won't work.
- 3Get full information from someone.
I can't NAIL them DOWN about when they're going to finish the project.
- 4Succeed or achieve something.
I NAILED the job DOWN in the first interview.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “nail down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb nail down is to succeed in getting or achieving something, often after a lot of effort. It can be used to describe securing a contract, understanding a concept, or getting information from someone.
What are the different verb forms of “nail down”?
| Root Verb | nail down |
| Third Person Singular Present | nails down |
| Present Participle | nailing down |
| Simple Past | nailed down |
| Past Participle | nailed down |
Example
They are trying to nail down the details of the agreement.
Example
She nails down the facts before making a decision.
Example
He is nailing down the final details of the project.
Example
They nailed down the contract after weeks of negotiation.
Example
The terms of the deal were finally nailed down and agreed upon.
What kind of phrasal verb is “nail down”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“nail down” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She nailed down the facts before making a decision.
Example
They nailed down the contract after weeks of negotiation.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“nail down” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She nailed down the facts before making a decision.
Example
They nailed down the contract after weeks of negotiation.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “nail down”?
Good things to know
Does “nail down” have an informal or formal tone?
Nail down is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. In more formal settings, it may be replaced with phrases like 'finalize,' 'secure,' or 'determine.'
