pay on the nail

[jesson cui]

can someone enlighten me as to the derivation of the phrase "pay on the nail"? thanks.

[vil]

I'm not a teacher

Hi jesson cui,

pay on the nail = cash on the barrelhead = immediate payment, as in

They won't extend credit; it's cash on the barrelhead or no sale

The Nail = In the centre of The Limerick Stock Exchange is a pillar with a circular plate of copper about three feet in diameter, called The Nail, on which the earnest of all stock-exchange bargains has to be paid.

Regards.

V.

[jesson cui]

hi,Vil. thank you for your help. i've learnt something from your post.