Also means
to pin down, nail (figurative)
Usage Note
River means to fasten with a rivet. The expression river son clou à quelqu'un means to shut someone up or put them firmly in their place — a very common idiom. Despite looking like the English word 'river', it has nothing to do with rivers (une rivière). Conjugates as a regular -er verb.
Examples
"Il a réussi à river son clou à son adversaire."
Natural Translation
He managed to put his opponent firmly in his place.
Literal Translation
He managed to rivet his nail to his opponent.
Related Words
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