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Region: UK | Usage example: She fought tooth and nail to keep the community library open.

Fight tooth and nail

Meaning

Struggle vigorously and aggressively to achieve something.

Usage

Often used when describing defenders of a cause or individuals resisting against odds.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Evokes literal animal fights where opponents used their teeth and claws.

Dates back to the early 1600s in English literature to depict tenacious battle scenes.

Related Idioms

Hit the nail on the head

To say or identify something exactly right, with no wasted guessing.

Fight an uphill battle

Struggle against long odds

Long in the tooth

Getting old.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.