big toenail

Noun

big toenail (plural big toenails)

1. The nail of the big toe.
   • Bench said he lost both little toenails to foul tips and half of both of his big toenails.1977 March 1, Tom McEwen, “On Divorce Proceedings, Salary Desires: Mum’s the Word for [Johnny] Bench”, in The Tampa Tribune, 83rd year, number 50, Tampa, Fla., →ISSN, →OCLC, page 4-C, column 5
   • As a ballet dancer, your big toenails are particularly prone to damage, as they are supporting all your weight when you go up on points. My worst foot injury was when I lost my big toenail completely.2003 December 7, Catherine Nixey, quoting Sarah McIlroy, “If I were in your shoes ...”, in The Independent, London: Independent News & Media, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 07 Sep 2025

   Synonyms:

   great toenail, large toenail

2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see big, toenail.
   • An infant rhinoceros sits on the floor, its eyes half closed under their translucent lids. It has peculiarly big toenails, but I guess that's the way baby rhinos are.2005 September 6, Adrian Searle, “Fairground distraction”, in Alan Rusbridger, editor, The Guardian, London: Guardian News & Media, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 19 Sep 2014