fight tooth and nail

fight tooth and nail

Engage in vigorous combat or make a strenuous effort, using all one's resources. For example, I'm going to fight tooth and nail for that promotion. This expression, with its allusion to biting and scratching, was first recorded in 1576.
See also: and, fight, nail, tooth

fight (somebody/something) tooth and nail

to use a lot of effort to oppose someone or achieve something We fought tooth and nail to keep our share of the business. They vowed to fight the new legislation tooth and nail.
See also: and, fight, nail, tooth
References in periodicals archive ?
We remain committed to fighting for our clients and shall fight tooth and nail to help Mother be re-united with her baby.
City lawyers to help mum in baby horror by Birmingham Mail (England)
Clinton got along well with Obama, but on Afghanistan and Pakistan the State Department had to fight tooth and nail just to have a hearing at the White House," he said.
Ex-US official reveals war over Afghan policy by Times of Oman (Muscat, Oman)
Not only will I lose my position within the community but I also stand to lose my home and so I will fight tooth and nail.
Lose my seat and I'll lose money January , NEW TWIST IN ELECTION ... by Daily Post (Conwy, Wales)
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