nail in (someone's or something's) coffin
nail in (someone's or something's) coffin
Something that will eventually contribute to someone's or something's downfall or death. That class action lawsuit is going to be the nail in the company's coffin. Every beer you drink is a nail in your coffin.
See also: coffin, nail
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
(another) nail in (someone's or something's) coffin
Fig. something that will harm or destroy someone or something. (Alludes to the sealing of a coffin with nails.) Every word of criticism that Bob said about the boss was another nail in his coffin. Losing their biggest customer was the final nail in the company's coffin.
See also: coffin, nail
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
nail in one's coffin
Something that might hasten or contribute to one's death, as in Every cigarette you smoke is another nail in your coffin. This expression, alluding to fastening down a coffin lid, is today almost always used for a harmful habit such as tobacco use (giving rise to the slang term coffin nail for a cigar or cigarette). The idea was first expressed in an ode by Pindar (the pseudonym of John Wolcot) in 1792: "Care to our coffin adds a nail, no doubt."
See also: coffin, nail
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
a nail in somebody’s/something’s ˈcoffin
something, especially one of a series of things, which makes the failure or destruction of something more likely: If we don’t succeed with this campaign, it’ll be the final nail in our coffin. The new tax has driven another nail into the coffin of the British film industry.See also: coffin, nail
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- a nail in somebody's/something's coffin
- another nail in the coffin
- blow (up)on (someone or something)
- blow on
- blow on it
- not stand in (someone's or something's) way
- not stand in somebody's way
- a track record
- on present form
- ragged