Caleb Foster
The idiom 'defend tooth and nail' means to use all of one's effort to win against someone or to overcome a problem. It is often used to describe someone who is trying very hard to get something they want. The phrase appears to come from the ancient Latin 'toto corpore atque omnibus ungulis' which means 'all the body and every nail'.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effort | Maximum |
| Objective | To win against someone or overcome some problem |
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What You'll Learn
The phrase's origin
The phrase 'defend tooth and nail' is used to describe someone's commitment to defending themselves from physical or verbal attacks. It suggests giving everything you have to win or succeed, or defending your opinion, rights or possessions with determination and zeal. The phrase comes from the imagery of a wild beast in a fierce battle, using its teeth and nails (or claws) as weapons.
The earliest known use of this expression in print was in the 1560s, but its roots can be traced back to the Latin phrase 'toto corpore atque omnibus ungulis', meaning 'all the body and every nail'. The phrase was used in Sir Thomas More's 'In a Dialogue of Comfort and Tribulation' in 1535, but it didn't really take off until the 1700s.
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Its meaning
To defend something tooth and nail means to use all one's effort to win against someone or to overcome some problem. The idiom appears to stem from the ancient Latin phrase *toto corpore atque omnibus ungulis* (all the body and every nail).
The phrase is often used to describe a situation where someone is trying very hard to get something they want. For example, someone might fight tooth and nail to get a place on a sports team or to keep someone from dating a person they disapprove of. It can also be used to describe a situation where someone is trying very hard to overcome a problem, such as fighting against an inhumane policy or trying to force a company to clean up its act.
In the example, "We had to fight tooth and nail to get the government to admit they were wrong", the phrase conveys the idea that it was a difficult and protracted struggle to get the government to acknowledge its mistake. It suggests that those involved had to use all their resources and determination to achieve their goal.
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Examples of usage
To defend something tooth and nail means to use all of one's effort to win against someone or to overcome some problem. Here are some examples of usage:
"He fought tooth and nail to keep her away from Tommy Allen."
"The polluters are fighting tooth and nail against legislation aimed at forcing power firms to clean up their act."
"They fought tooth and nail to protect the solicitors' monopoly of conveyancing but eventually compromised by not objecting to licensed conveyancers."
"We had to fight tooth and nail to get the government to admit they were wrong."
"I've fought tooth and nail to bring back Illinois because I'm sick and tired of career politicians who are more concerned with taking care of their special interest allies than families like yours."
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Synonyms
To defend something tooth and nail means to use all one's effort to win against someone or to overcome some problem. It can also mean to try very hard to get something you want. Synonyms for this phrase include:
- To fight tooth and claw
- To fight with all one's might
- To struggle valiantly
- To battle fiercely
- To resist strongly
- To put up a good fight
- To go down swinging
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Antonyms
The phrase 'to defend tooth and nail' means to use all one's effort to win against someone or to overcome some problem. It is often used to describe a situation where someone is trying very hard to get something they want.
The antonyms of this phrase could include:
- Give up without a fight: This implies a lack of resistance or effort, which is the opposite of defending tooth and nail.
- Concede or surrender: Conceding or surrendering is the opposite of the determined and vigorous defence implied by 'tooth and nail'.
- Capitulate or submit: These words describe a complete yielding or giving in, which is the opposite of the resolute stance suggested by 'defending tooth and nail'.
- Relinquish or abandon: Relinquishing or abandoning a goal or position is the opposite of the tenacious defence conveyed by the phrase 'tooth and nail'.
- Retreat or withdraw: Retreating or withdrawing implies a lack of engagement or resistance, which is contrary to the vigorous defence suggested by 'defending tooth and nail'.
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Frequently asked questions
To defend something tooth and nail means to use all your effort to win against someone or to overcome a problem.
The idiom appears to come from the ancient Latin phrase 'toto corpore atque omnibus ungulis' (all the body and every nail).
"They fought tooth and nail to protect the solicitors' monopoly of conveyancing but eventually compromised by not objecting to licensed conveyancers."
Yes, you could say 'to fight tooth and claw'.
