🐾 Tooth and Nail: Fighting With All Your Might 💥
tooth and nail, fight/with - To fight vigorously, with all one’s resources. The analogy to biting and scratching originated in the sixteenth century and has been used consistently for fierce contention or determined effort. Dickens captured the essence of this idiom beautifully in David Copperfield (1850): “I go at it tooth and nail.”
Synonyms
- Fight like a lion: Bring your fiercest effort.
- Fight tooth and claw: Another vivid imagery of animalistic struggle.
- Go the whole hog: Engage wholeheartedly in the effort.
- Leave no stone unturned: Use every resource available.
Antonyms
- Half-hearted effort: Giving something your partial attention.
- Sit on one’s hands: Fail to take action.
- Throw in the towel: Give up in the midst of a struggle.
Humorous Quotes
- “Fighting tooth and nail is a bit outdated. These days, we call customer service!”
- “I fought tooth and nail, then realized I should have just sent an email.”
Proverbs and Expressions
- “No guts, no glory” - without taking risks, one can’t achieve success.
- “Where there’s a will, there’s a way” - determined efforts overcome difficulties.
- “The early bird catches the worm” - success comes to those who prepare well.
Literary References
- Charles de Lint’s urban fantasy novels: Show characters often fighting literal and metaphorical battles tooth and nail to protect their loved ones.
- The Odyssey by Homer: Describes the relentless efforts of Odysseus to overcome trials and reach home.
Suggested Media
- Books: Life of Pi by Yann Martel – Explore the essence of survival against all odds.
- Songs: “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor – An anthem for fighting challenges head-on.
- Poetry: “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas – A poetic call to fight fiercely against dying.
- Movies: Rocky Series – Movies that exemplify the spirit of fighting tooth and nail.
Inspirational Thought 🧠💭
“It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe.” – Muhammad Ali
Fight your battles tooth and nail, for every effort sharpens your will and hones your way to success. Remember, every great story ever told involves a struggle where someone decided not to give up.
### Which of these is a genuine idiom?
- [x] Fight tooth and nail
- [ ] Dance with lion feathers
- [ ] Run with invisible shoes
- [ ] Paint with cloudbrushes
> **Explanation:** "Fight tooth and nail" is a recognized idiom referring to a vigorous battle or determined effort. The others are whimsically fictitious.
### Which phrase accurately means to fight determinedly?
- [ ] Battle between silk ribbons
- [x] Go the whole hog
- [ ] Drift with bubble slippers
- [ ] Fly with moon dust
> **Explanation:** "Go the whole hog" connotes putting in a full, determined effort. The colorful alternatives are purely imaginary.
### True or False: "Fight tooth and nail" has origins stretching back to the sixteenth century.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True! The idiom indeed originates from the sixteenth century, providing a vivid image of fierce contention.
