nail down — finalise/agree on something precisely
phrasal verbC1IELTS 7+neutraloccasional
to make something certain or definite, especially after discussing or negotiating details; to agree on the exact details of something
Say it like a native
Textbook We must finalise the precise particulars of the agreement.
Native We just need to nail down the details.
'Nail down' is the natural business verb for pinning specifics; the formal version is wordy.
Pattern: nail down + noun (plan/arrangement/date/decision)
In use
- We still need to nail down the exact date for the conference before we can send out invitations.work
- In my opinion, it's important to nail down the main points of your essay before you start writing, as it helps you stay focused and organised.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ Let's nail down on a date.
✓ Let's nail down a date.
'Nail down' takes the object directly — no 'on'.
Common collocations
nail down + specifics— the details, a date, the budget, exactly what
Don't confuse it
This sense is figurative and refers to finalising or making something certain, not the literal act of attaching something with nails. It is more precise than simply 'deciding'—it suggests confirming details after some negotiation.