Question

Choose the most appropriate words or phrases that are equivalent in meaning to the above phrase:
Fight tooth and nail

• A. bite and scratch your enemy
• B. make a determined effort
• C. inflict equal damage
• D. pull out enemy's teeth and nails

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The phrase "Fight tooth and nail" is commonly used in the English language as an idiom. It means to make a very strong, determined effort to achieve something, often in a competitive or challenging situation. Let's analyze each of the given options to determine the correct equivalent:

1. bite and scratch your enemy: This option suggests a physical altercation or aggression. While the phrase "fight" might imply conflict, the idiom figuratively means making a determined effort rather than physical fighting.
2. make a determined effort: This is the most appropriate meaning of the idiom "Fight tooth and nail." It describes someone putting in a strong effort to achieve a goal, which aligns perfectly with the idiomatic expression.
3. inflict equal damage: This option suggests causing mutual harm, which doesn't capture the essence of determination implied by the idiom.
4. pull out enemy's teeth and nails: This is a literal interpretation and doesn't convey the intended figurative meaning of persistence or determination.

Based on the analysis above, the correct answer is make a determined effort because it accurately captures the essence of the idiomatic expression "Fight tooth and nail."

Conclusion: The phrase "Fight tooth and nail" describes a scenario involving a vigorous and persistent effort to win or achieve something, which correlates directly with the option "make a determined effort."