英语词汇pay on the nail的起源、历史背景-英语词源词典

词汇	pay on the nail
词源	pay on the nail. In medieval times a nail was a short pillar used as a counter in marketplaces. Accounts were settled at these nails, all money placed on them so that payment was quick and out in the open. This practice led to the expression to pay on the nail, for “prompt payment.” See cash on the barrelhead.
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