釘くぎを刺さす

expression, godan verb (-su)

give a warning; remind firmly; caution in advance

Idiomatic expression meaning to warn someone or give a firm reminder so that they won't forget or make an excuse later. The literal image is of driving in a nail to fix something in place.

• 彼かれには前まえもって釘くぎを刺さしておいた。

  I gave him a warning in advance.

• 遅ち刻こくしないようにと釘くぎを刺さされた。

  I was firmly reminded not to be late.