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  #1  
Old 15-Dec-2006, 16:15
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Default the final nail

Bolton applied the final nail in Alan Pardew's coffin, by thrashing West Ham 4-0.

Can any other verb substitute for apply here?

Also, can we also say "another nail" instead of "the final nail"?
This month's loss of $400 000 has applid another nail in the company's coffin.


Thank you!

Last edited by retro; 15-Dec-2006 at 16:33.
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Old 15-Dec-2006, 16:35
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Default Re: the final nail

We can say another nail, but that would not necassarily be the last straw that breaks the camel's back, if you catch my drift.
Applied?
Delivered sounds better to my tin ears.

Last edited by svartnik; 15-Dec-2006 at 16:36. Reason: correction
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Old 15-Dec-2006, 16:37
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Default Re: the final nail

Another Hungarian

Last edited by svartnik; 15-Dec-2006 at 16:38. Reason: g
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Old 15-Dec-2006, 16:43
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Default Re: the final nail

we can also say, put or drive a nail in the coffin
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Old 15-Dec-2006, 18:00
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Default Re: the final nail

Quote:
Originally Posted by retro View Post
Bolton drove the final nail in Alan Pardew's coffin, by thrashing West Ham 4-0.

Can any other verb substitute for apply here?

Also, can we also say "another nail" instead of "the final nail"?
This month's loss of $400 000 has driven another nail in the company's coffin.


Thank you!
This should do it
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  #6  
Old 15-Dec-2006, 20:42
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Default Re: the final nail

Bump.
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Old 16-Dec-2006, 04:22
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Smile Re: the final nail

I have only heard the "final nail" version. Its intention is, I think, to express a sense of finality.

~R
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Old 16-Jan-2007, 19:44
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Default Re: the final nail

I think the reporter wanted to avoid the obvious usage of the word hammered as the Hammers is the nickname of the club beaten.

Nails are hammered or driven, paint is applied, ideas are put!
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