a nail in somebody's/something's coffin

nail in (someone's or something's) coffin

Something that will eventually contribute to someone or something's downfall or death. That class action lawsuit is going to be the nail in the company's coffin. Every beer you drink is a nail in your coffin.See also: coffin, nail

(another) nail in (someone's or something's) coffin

Fig. something that will harm or destroy someone or something. (Alludes to the sealing of a coffin with nails.) Every word of criticism that Bob said about the boss was another nail in his coffin. Losing their biggest customer was the final nail in the company's coffin.See also: coffin, nail

a nail in somebody’s/something’s ˈcoffin

something, especially one of a series of things, which makes the failure or destruction of something more likely: If we don’t succeed with this campaign, it’ll be the final nail in our coffin. ♢ The new tax has driven another nail into the coffin of the British film industry.See also: coffin, nail