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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

drive a nail where it will go en · VERB

Meanings

  1. (archaic) To take a pragmatic or expedient approach, rather than the ideal.
    • "Well, I think East is right," said Arthur; "I can't see but what it's right to do the best you can, though it mayn't be the best absolutely. Every man isn't born to be a martyr." "Of course, of course," said East; "but he's on one of his pet hobbies. — How often have I told you, Tom, that you must drive a nail where it'll go." 1857, Thomas Hughes, Tom Brown's School Days:

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
driving a nail where it will go Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part lexicographic
driven a nail where it would go Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part lexicographic
drove a nail where it would go Tense=Past lexicographic
drives a nail where it will go Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres lexicographic