English Idiom – Hit the nail on the head
Meaning – To be exactly right about something. Find exactly the right answer. If you hit the nail on the head you are accurate about a situation.
- This idiom originates from woodworking. If you want to hammer a nail into something accurately you need to ensure the hammer hits the head of the nail squarely.
- This phrase can also be shortened to “nail on head”. Or “Nail. On. Head.” if you want to emphasize the accuracy while writing.
Usage:
When could you use this idiom?
- You guess a large number exactly.
- A person is able to accurately describe a situation.
- Somebody is explaining a situation correctly.
- A new friend correctly guesses your age!
Example:
- “We haven’t been able to figure out how to solve the housing issues for a long time. The politician last night hit the nail on the head – we need to go back to square one to find a solution.”
In The News:
Discuss:
- Is there an idiom like this in your country?
What is an idiom?
An idiom is a word or phrase that is not taken literally. An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood from the meanings of its individual words, but has a separate meaning of its own.