Definition

Noun: A short, sharp nail with a broad, flat head, specifically designed for fastening carpets or rugs to a floor.

Usage

A carpet tack is a specialized fastener. Its broad head holds the carpet edge firmly without tearing through the material, while its sharp point penetrates the floor. It is used with a tack hammer or mallet.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "to be on tacks" / "to be on carpet tacks": An idiomatic expression describing a state of extreme anxiety or nervous anticipation, as if one were standing on sharp points.
  • Waiting for the exam results, she felt like she was on carpet tacks.

Variants and Related Words

• Tack strip (n): A long, thin strip of wood or metal with many pre-angled tacks protruding from it, used to secure carpet around the perimeter of a room. This is a related tool that uses the same principle.
• Upholstery tack (n): A decorative tack with a larger, often ornamental head, used for securing fabric to furniture. While similar, it is a distinct type of fastener.

Synonyms

• Carpet nail (n): A direct synonym.
• Flooring tack (n): A more general term that can include tacks used for other types of flooring materials.

Related Phrases

• To tack down (phrasal verb): To fasten or secure something, especially fabric or carpet, with tacks.
  • The installer will tack down the carpet along the baseboards.

Noun

1. used to nail down carpets