nail down
phrasal verb
nailed down; nailing down; nails down
1
: to make (something, such as a victory) certain to happen
They need to score another touchdown to nail down the victory.
2
: to find out or identify (something) exactly
Her doctors haven't yet been able to nail down a diagnosis.
They're trying to nail down the cause of our network problems.
3
: to make (something) definite or final
nail down a decision
Examples of nail down in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
If New York can nail down a win on its home court, a trip to take on the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals is in the offing.
—
Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 16 May 2025
While most brides are concerned about the flavor of their wedding cake, Herbert was focused on nailing down her big day's signature cocktail.
—Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 7 May 2025
Umlauf’s best position was probably second base, but senior Maddie Hernandez already had that spot nailed down in the North Stars’ lineup.
—Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 10 Apr. 2025
The study also couldn’t nail down whether something has changed in our diets, environments, or lifestyles in recent decades to drive increasing exposure to colibactin, and thus the uptick in early-onset cancers.
—Jamie Ducharme, Health, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nail down
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Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 16 May 2025
While most brides are concerned about the flavor of their wedding cake, Herbert was focused on nailing down her big day's signature cocktail.
—Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 7 May 2025
Umlauf’s best position was probably second base, but senior Maddie Hernandez already had that spot nailed down in the North Stars’ lineup.
—Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 10 Apr. 2025
The study also couldn’t nail down whether something has changed in our diets, environments, or lifestyles in recent decades to drive increasing exposure to colibactin, and thus the uptick in early-onset cancers.
—Jamie Ducharme, Health, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nail down
Cite this Entry
“Nail down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nail%20down. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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