cash on the nail

cash on the nail

Payment that is made immediately, on the spot, or without delay. Primarily heard in UK. I could put the bill on my credit card, but if it's all right with you, I'd rather we divvy it up between us and pay now, cash on the nail. After a few bad experiences with lodgers, I've learned to demand cash on the nail for the rent every Sunday, no exceptions.
See also: cash, nail, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • chip
  • chips
  • up on (one's) ear
  • (as) dead as mutton
  • dead as mutton
  • mutton
  • one of the boys
  • one of the lads
  • be one of the lads
  • be one of the lads/boys/girls
References in periodicals archive
CASH ON THE NAIL: Queensgate Market's Nail Fairy, right, where customers can only pay in cash and, left, Lily Nails on Market Avenue