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Definitions

tooth and nail

PHRASE
with force and ferocity
Synonyms
WEAK
bec et ongles fiercely hammer and tongs with every available resource

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"We will fight this tooth and nail," Das said.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

ConocoPhillips is the country’s largest nonsovereign creditor and has been fighting tooth and nail to recoup the roughly $12 billion it is still owed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 19, 2026

Paramount Skydance will be fighting this acquisition tooth and nail, including on antitrust grounds.

From Slate • Dec. 6, 2025

“We fought tooth and nail to retain those benefits,” said Williams, who is president of UMW Local 1188 in Coshocton County, in central Ohio’s Appalachian region.

From Salon • Aug. 27, 2025

It was also a victory for Avery Brundage, president of the American Olympic Committee, and his allies who had fought tooth and nail to ensure that there was no boycott.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown