Nail down Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈneɪɫ/ /ˈdaʊn

NAYL-DOWN

UK

nˈeɪl/ /dˈaʊn

NAYL-DOWN

Definition

To make something definite, final, or certain, especially after discussion or uncertainty. Often refers to confirming plans, agreements, or details.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and often used for schedules, decisions, or commitments ('nail down a date'). Can also mean to fully understand or explain something. Don't confuse with the literal act of using nails.

• Spanish: concretar - definir con precisión
• Portuguese (BR): definir - acertar - fechar com certeza
• Portuguese (PT): definir - acertar - fixar com precisão
• Chinese (Simplified): 确定 - 敲定
• Chinese (Traditional): 確定 - 敲定
• Hindi: पक्का करना - तय करना
• Arabic: تحديد بدقة - تثبيت
• Bengali: নিশ্চিত করা - চূড়ান্ত নির্ধারণ করা
• Russian: уточнить - окончательно согласовать
• Japanese: 確定する - 固める
• Vietnamese: chốt lại - xác định rõ
• Korean: 확정하다 - 분명히 하다
• Turkish: kesinleştirmek - netleştirmek
• Urdu: حتمی بنانا - طے کرنا
• Indonesian: memastikan - menetapkan

Example Sentences

Let's nail down a time for our meeting.

basic

We need to nail down the details before launching the project.

basic

Can you nail down the price for me?

basic

We haven't nailed down which hotel we're staying at yet.

natural

After two hours of discussion, they finally nailed down a solution.

natural

I'm trying to nail down exactly what went wrong.

natural