DOORNAIL Meaning and
Definition
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Doornail (noun):
A doornail refers to a large, often decorative nail that is used to secure a door or its components, such as hinges or knockers. It is typically made of durable materials like iron or brass. The doornail is hammered into the wood of the door to provide a sturdy, long-lasting fastening solution.
In addition to its literal meaning, the term "doornail" has gained figurative usage in the English language. As an idiomatic expression, the phrase "dead as a doornail" has become relatively common. It refers to something or someone that is lifeless, devoid of vitality, or thoroughly and irreversibly deceased.
This idiom's origin can be traced back to William Shakespeare's play, "Henry IV, Part 2," where the phrase "a doornail" was used. Its usage suggests that the nail in question is definitively dead, as opposed to any other object or substance. Over time, this imagery became ingrained in the English language, solidifying the phrase and its meaning.
As a result, "dead as a doornail" has become an idiomatic standby to describe inanimate objects or individuals who are undoubtedly lifeless, beyond resuscitation, or devoid of any energy or vigor. It is commonly employed to emphasize the irreversible, permanent cessation of life, serving as a metaphorical representation of finality.
Common Misspellings for DOORNAIL
- soornail
- xoornail
- coornail
- foornail
- roornail
- eoornail
- diornail
- dkornail
- dlornail
- dpornail
- d0ornail
- d9ornail
- doirnail
- dokrnail
- dolrnail
- doprnail
- do0rnail
- do9rnail
- dooenail
Etymology of DOORNAIL
The word "doornail" has Old English origins and is derived from the Middle English term "dorne nail" or "durknail". The word "dorn" or "dur" referred to a wooden threshold or door, and "nail" meant exactly that, a nail. The phrase likely came about from the practice of hammering nails into a door to reinforce or secure it. Over time, "doornail" started to refer to nails that were used to strengthen or secure doors, and eventually, the term became a proverbial expression. Today, the phrase "dead as a doornail" is commonly used to describe something that is unquestionably lifeless or no longer functioning.
Idioms with the word DOORNAIL
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be as dead as a doornail
The idiom "be as dead as a doornail" means to be completely lifeless, no longer functional, or beyond any hope of revival or use.
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dead as a doornail
The idiom "dead as a doornail" means that something or someone is completely lifeless or inert, beyond the possibility of being revived or restored.
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(as) dead as a doornail
The idiom "(as) dead as a doornail" means to be completely dead or lifeless. It is often used to emphasize the lack of vitality or inanimate nature of something or someone. The phrase "dead as a doornail" is believed to have originated from the use of large iron nails on doors that became permanently fixed and unyielding once hammered in, likening it to the irreversibility of death.
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dead as a doornail (or as mutton)
The idiom "dead as a doornail" (or as mutton) means to be completely and unquestionably dead, beyond any chance of revival or resurrection. It indicates a state of irreversible death or lifelessness. The phrase "dead as a doornail" is more commonly used, but "dead as mutton" carries the same meaning.
Similar spelling words for DOORNAIL
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