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Nailing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”จ
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nailing

[หˆneษชlษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

construction work

Nailing is the act of driving a nail into a surface, usually to secure two or more pieces of material together. It's a fundamental technique used in carpentry and construction.

Synonyms

attaching, fastening, hammering.

Examples of usage

  • He is nailing the wooden board to the frame.
  • The carpenter spent the afternoon nailing shingles to the roof.
  • Nailing down the floor panels took longer than expected.
  • She was nailing the decorations to the wall.
Context #2 | Verb

performing well

In an informal context, nailing means to perform a task exceptionally well, achieving great success or proficiency in something.

Synonyms

ace, mastering, succeeding.

Examples of usage

  • He nailed the presentation and impressed everyone.
  • She really nailed her audition for the role.
  • They nailed their performance in the last game.
  • He nailed the recipe on his first try.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Construction

  • Nails have been used in construction for thousands of years, with evidence dating back to ancient Egypt.
  • Different types of nails (like common, finish, or roofing nails) serve various construction purposes, enhancing structural integrity.
  • Today's production methods allow for various metals and materials in nail construction, catering to diverse building needs.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'nail it' has become popular in everyday language, often used to describe perfectly accomplishing a task.
  • In movie scenes, nailing something often symbolizes achieving a goal, common in sports and motivational narratives.
  • Crafting shows frequently highlight nailing as an essential skill, bridging the gap between DIY projects and professional carpentry.

Psychology

  • The phrase 'to nail it' can boost self-esteem, as it connects the action of completing a task well with positive reinforcement.
  • Success is often linked to physical acts in psychology, where making connections (like nailing) can signify achievement in one's mind.
  • Nailing tasks effectively may result in a release of dopamine, promoting feelings of happiness and satisfaction.

Art and Craft

  • In woodworking, nailing is also an artistic technique where the aesthetic layout of nails can create patterns or designs.
  • Some artists incorporate nails into their artwork, challenging traditional concepts of sculpture and dimensionality.
  • Nails can be seen in multimedia art installations, showcasing how common materials can become tools of creativity.

Origin of 'nailing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'naegl,' which meant a metal spike.
  • In many languages, the root for 'nail' sounds similar, showing how the concept has been important across cultures.
  • The verb 'to nail' has evolved to also mean to succeed at something skillfully, reflecting its precise function in construction.

The word 'nail' comes from the Old English 'nรฆgel', which means a metal pin or fastening. This term can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic 'nagliw', which was linked to the act of fastening or securing objects together. Nailing has been a common method used in woodworking and construction since ancient times, with evidence of nails found in structures as far back as the Roman and Egyptian eras. The evolution of the nail as a tool has progressed significantly over centuries, from simple metal spikes to the complex and specific designs used today in various construction scenarios. The vernacular use of 'nailing' as a way to describe performing well or successfully achieving something has surfaced more recently, reflecting the linguistic shift towards using physical acts as metaphors for success.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,667, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.