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A nail in somebody’s/something’s coffin

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Metaphorical Meaning

It's used to represent gradual harm, not actual nails or coffins.

Illustration for Metaphorical Meaning
Skipping classes was another nail in his academic coffin.
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Negative Context

The phrase usually describes negative developments leading to failure.

Illustration for Negative Context
The new tax laws became a nail in the coffin for the struggling small business.
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Not Literal

Understand it's an idiom; don't take the words 'nail' or 'coffin' literally.

Illustration for Not Literal
Mismanagement was a nail in the coffin of the project.
Visual representation of the word "A nail in somebody’s/something’s coffin"

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