hɪt ðə neɪl ɒn ðə hɛd
Work
neutral
beginner
- Literally:
- To strike a nail precisely on its head with a hammer
What does "hit the nail on the head" mean?
- To describe exactly what is true or important
- To be precisely correct about something
Examples
- You hit the nail on the head with that analysis.
- She hit the nail on the head when she identified the problem.
- I think you've hit the nail right on the head.
Origin
From carpentry—successfully driving a nail requires hitting it squarely on the head. Missing causes bent nails and wasted effort.
How to use it
Used to confirm someone's accurate assessment. High praise for understanding or analysis.
Similar expressions
be spot on
be exactly right
hit the bullseye
Opposites
miss the point
be off target
be wrong
Related idioms
- call it a day
To stop working for the day
- have one's hands full
To be very busy with something
- learn the ropes
To learn the basics of a job or activity
- it's not rocket science
It's not difficult to understand or do
- get your act together
To organize yourself and start behaving more responsibly
- hit the books
To study intensively
Use it in a practice answer
Try "hit the nail on the head" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.