Five Centuries of Fighting Tooth and Nail

You’ve no doubt heard the expression, “Fighting tooth and nail.” Well, like many common expressions, this one dates back to antiquity, actually more than 500 years.

Then, as now, “fighting tooth and nail” refers to using all of one’s resources—or clinging tenaciously—to whatever matter happened to be at hand. Originally, the phrase was spoken in Latin: dentibus et vnguibus (tooth and nail). 

The farther back in history one used the expression, however, the more literal the translation likely was. In the 16^th Century, for example, the expression was used in a sense of literally battling while at war with everything you had, and can be found in English texts at the time as “tuith and nail.”

Later it evolved to mean holding fast and not necessarily during actual battle: “Take holde this toth and nayle, that to be honour onely which springeth true virtue.” Today you might find yourself fighting tooth and nail against some crab grass that has invaded your lawn or with your child to go brush his teeth before bed. Same words and meaning, but, of course, times have changed.

For information about the Ferber Dental Group, dental implants, dentures or periodontal concerns, call 561-439-8888 or visit www.ferberdental.com.