Skip to main content

Difference between On the nail and To the nail

admin Confusing Phrases

on the nail—(coll.)

1. (of payments) made on the spot:

  • You know how I am; if I can’t pay on the nail, I don’t buy.

2. exactly right:

  • Michael Miller directs the film with conviction, and the playing is on the nail.

to the nail —(dated) most thoroughly (also: to a nail):

  • My speech was never improvised, but always prepared beforehand, and polished to the nail.