Really lost in transition

While I was reading the newspaper the other day (right away you know I'm an old person), I came across the inquiring reporter column. She had asked someone how hard he was going to fight for some cause or other. His answer as printed----"To the nail." Now I don't know if that's what he actually said. My guess would be that's what the reporter heard, and had no idea of what "tooth and nail" means. Both terms do sound alike, and no one cares what is meant anyway. Ask a question. Get an answer. That's the idea, right.