Date:  Thu, 2 Jan 1997 14:02:56 EST
From:  "Daniel Marcus -- Amer. Lawyer Media - New York" <dmarcus0[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]COUNSEL.COM>
Subject: WOTY pre-ve R

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The word 'nail' is used very often by basketball commentators,
usually referring to someone making an outside shot. ("He nailed
that jumper," "And she nails the three from downtown," etc.) It's
almost never used with a negative, however. (* "He failed to nail
the shot.")

I also heard it used during the diving events in pretty much the
same way as in gymnastics (i.e. a clean landing), so this would
seem to work against the feet-nailed-to-the-floor idea. (Although
the gymnastics synonym "stick" does seem to be physically rooted,
i.e. sticking to the floor.)

I think for sports it always refers to isolated situations within
the game where there are only two possible outcomes, i.e.
make/miss, success/failure.

But, to be honest, I think these sports meanings are all playing
second fiddle to the more popular meaning, which is to have sex.
(Examples assumed.)

Dan Marcus