nail (something) back

nail (something) back

To affix something with nails in its original, correct position. A noun or pronoun can be used between "nail" and "back"; typically followed by another preposition to specify where or how it is being affixed. When will you finally get around to nailing these loose floorboards back into place? The hurricane ripped the shingles off our roof. It will take a week to nail them back on!See also: back, nail

nail something back

to secure something back out of the way by nailing it. Please nail the shutters back so they won't bang against the house. I'll nail back the shutters.See also: back, nail