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to toe

to toe

1 8.4
To drive a nail at an angle into wood to make a stronger hold
  • verb
  • /toʊ/
  • Specialized
: clavar en ángulo

Synonyms

to nail
vsto toe
71 1.0

To attach something with a thin pointed piece of metal

focuses on driving at an oblique angle to strengthen joints or when access is limited
to toenail
vsto toe
  • Specialized
1 9.5

To join two pieces of wood by driving a nail at an angle through one into the other

is the broader technique used for angled entry to add strength or for tight access

Antonyms

∞ 2.7

To take something out of a place, often with effort

Idioms

toe to toe
  • Informal
27 6.8

In direct competition or argument with someone

Completely covering the whole body from head to feet

to toe the line
  • Informal
16 5.4

To do what people in charge expect and follow the rules exactly

toe-to-toe
  • Informal
15 7.0

To stand very close and fight or argue strongly

To dance in a lively, elegant way to music

Compounds

24 1.0

The largest toe on the inside of the foot

7 2.2

A simple game for two people where each places Xs or Os to make three in a row

7 1.0

Smallest toe at the outer edge of the human foot

toe rag
  • Offensive
1 9.9

A person who is very unpleasant and treats others badly

1 6.4

The front part of a shoe that covers and protects the toes

1 1.6

A game for two players who take turns marking a three by three grid to make three in a row

1 5.2

A song with a lively beat that makes you want to tap your toes or dance

1 4.2

A shoe or boot front that comes to a narrow point

toe toe
  • New Zealand
1 9.9

A tall New Zealand grass with large feathery flower heads

1 4.0

The largest toe on the inner side of the foot

1 5.6

A shoe or boot with a flat, straight toe instead of a round one

toe-in
  • Specialized
1 7.2

The front wheels of a car point slightly inward to improve control

1 6.1

A dance on the tips of the toes usually in ballet

1 6.1

A way of dancing on the tips of the toes in special shoes, usually in ballet

tit-tat-toe
  • Archaic
4.5

A simple two-player game of X and O on a 3 by 3 grid to make three in a row

toe bean
  • Slang
7.8

Soft, round pads under a cat's or dog's paw that look like small beans

toe crack
  • Specialized
9.9

A crack at the front of a horse's hoof that can make the horse limp

Surface Forms

toe infinitive
toed past
toed past participle
toeing present participle
toes third person singular

Etymology

A helpful way to remember to toe a nail (drive it at an angle) is to imagine pushing the nail in from the side like a 'toe', so to toe a nail means to drive it in at an angle for a stronger hold.