Comments on: Dead as a Doornail Origin: Why do I say something is As Dead as a Doornail?

By: Amber Hargrovr

Amber Hargrovr — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 16:19:10 +0000

I often wondered exactly what this phrase meant and what the origin is, I always thought that “dead as a coffin nail” would make more sense. haha.

By: Person

Person — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 17:03:49 +0000

Epic

By: Pat Brookes

Pat Brookes — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 17:30:24 +0000

I read many years ago that in very early times before iron nails were in common use, doors were constructed with wooden pegs (nails or dowels) made from the dead and very strong heartwood of a tree, hence ‘dead as a doornail’. Could this be a valid explanation? Certainly things such as roof timbers were fastened with large wooden pegs – I have some in my own cottage roof!

By: Bhatia

Bhatia — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:07:50 +0000

Good to know! And naturally, thank you to your sweat and effort writing this!

By: Suze

Suze — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 14:29:28 +0000

I always thought it was “dead as a doormouse” haha I always get my phrases confused!

By: Rick

Rick — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 17:13:10 +0000

This comment is just to say thanks for posting this! i dont comment usually, but when i do it is often for some thing quite good.

By: Lauren

Lauren — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:01:44 +0000

Haha, cool, thanks for the knowledge.