
The phrase 'nailed on' is used to describe something that is certain to happen. For example, 'South Africa were nailed-on favourites to host the 2010 World Cup'. The phrase is similar to 'nailed it', which is used to comment on the successful, skillful, or clever completion or performance of something.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Certain or inevitable |
| Example | South Africa were nailed-on favourites to host the 2010 World Cup |
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What You'll Learn

Nailed on as a certainty
'Nailed on' is an expression used to describe a certainty, or something that is very likely to happen. For example, 'South Africa were nailed-on favourites to host the 2010 World Cup'. The phrase is often used in a sporting context, such as 'His breaking the goalscoring record for Ireland now seems nailed on'.
The phrase is similar to the expression 'nailed it', which is used to comment on the successful, skillful, or clever completion or performance of something. According to Green's Dictionary of Slang, the phrase dates back to at least the 1970s. To 'nail' something, among many other meanings, is to do it very well.
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Nailed on as a favourite
Nailed on is an expression used to comment on the successful, skillful, or clever completion or performance of something. It is often used sarcastically to refer to efforts that have comically failed. The phrase is used to describe something that is a certainty, such as a favourite.
When something is described as a nailed on favourite, it is usually in reference to a sporting event. This could be a team or an individual that is expected to win. For example, a football team that has won the league multiple times in a row could be described as a nailed on favourite to win the league again. This is because they have a successful track record and are therefore likely to win again.
However, being a nailed on favourite does not guarantee success. The phrase is often used before an event has taken place and is based on predictions and past performance. Therefore, a nailed on favourite can still lose. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as injuries, bad luck, or the performance of their competitors.
Being a nailed on favourite can bring added pressure to perform well. There is an expectation to live up to the label and this can affect the team or individual's performance. They may feel the weight of expectation and this could impact their ability to perform to their usual standard.
Despite the potential pressure, being a nailed on favourite is usually seen as a positive thing. It is an acknowledgement of past success and a prediction of future success. It is a way of recognising a team or individual's skill and ability in their chosen field.
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Nailed on as a prediction
'Nailed on' is a phrase used to describe something that is certain to happen. For example, if someone says that a team is 'nailed on' to win a football match, they are expressing their confidence that the team will definitely win.
The phrase is often used in sports commentary and journalism to indicate a strong prediction about the outcome of a game or event. It can also be used in other contexts to convey a similar sense of certainty about future events. For instance, a political commentator might say that a particular candidate is 'nailed on' to win an election, suggesting that their victory is all but guaranteed.
The phrase 'nailed on' is typically employed when there is a high degree of confidence in the prediction being made. It conveys a sense of assurance and conviction, suggesting that the speaker or writer believes their forecast to be highly probable, if not inevitable.
While the exact origins of the phrase are unclear, it likely draws on the idea of 'nailing something down' or making it secure and immovable. In this sense, 'nailed on' implies that the predicted outcome is firmly fixed and unlikely to change.
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Nailed on as a starter
'Nailed on' is an expression used to describe something that is certain to happen. For example, 'South Africa were nailed-on favourites to host the 2010 World Cup'. The phrase is often used in sports commentary, such as 'His breaking the goalscoring record for Ireland now seems nailed on'.
The phrase 'nailed on' is similar to the expression 'nailed it', which is used to comment on the successful, skillful, or clever completion or performance of something. 'Nailed it' can also be used sarcastically to refer to efforts that comically failed. The expression 'nailed it' dates back to at least the 1970s, according to Green's Dictionary of Slang. To 'nail' something, among many other meanings, is to do it very well.
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Nailed on as a penalty
In other contexts, 'nailed on' means something that is certain to happen. So, if you're talking about a legal penalty, it could mean that a punishment is certain to be given for a particular offence. For example, if someone is caught speeding, a fine is nailed on. Or, if someone is found guilty of a crime, a prison sentence is nailed on.
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Frequently asked questions
'Nailed on' is an adjective that means certain or definite. For example, 'South Africa were nailed-on favourites to host the 2010 World Cup'.
'His breaking the goalscoring record for Ireland now seems nailed on'.
'Nailed it' is an expression used to comment on the successful, skillful, or clever completion or performance of something. It is often used sarcastically in reference to efforts that comically failed.
Yes, 'nailed on' can be used sarcastically. For example, 'Chelsea are back on form after their FA Cup win over Villa - so this is a nailed-on Crystal Palace win'.









































