pay (someone) on the nail

pay (someone) on the nail

To pay (someone) immediately, on the spot, or without delay. Primarily heard in UK. I could put the bill on my credit card, but if it's all right with you, I'd rather we divvy it up here and pay on the nail. My lodger is a bit of a noisy fellow, but so long as he keeps paying me his rent on the nail, I don't mind.See also: nail, on, pay