the final nail

[retro]

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!

[svartnik]

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.

[svartnik]

Another Hungarian

[svartnik]

we can also say, put or drive a nail in the coffin

[Miner49'er]

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

[Miner49'er]

Bump.

[RonBee]

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

~R

[Mordant]

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!