Search
to hit the nail on the head
01
to say or do the exact right thing in a particular situation
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "hit the nail on the head" and when to use it?
The idiom "hit the nail on the head" originated from carpentry, referring to literally striking a nail perfectly in one attempt on the center of its head with a hammer. This idiom emerged in the early 16th century, capturing how difficult but satisfactory it was to precisely target the small head of a nail. The expression is now used to describe getting straight to the heart of a matter, or precisely identifying and understanding an issue.
Example
The coach analyzed my form and said I was holding the racket too tight - he really hit the nail on the head with that observation.
In her speech, the politician hit the nail on the head about the real issues affecting voters.
The detective hit the nail on the head when he suspected it was the jealous ex-spouse behind the crime.
My friend's advice to enjoy life to the fullest really hit the nail on the head about making the most of time.
The movie's depiction of office politics hit the nail on the head from my own experience.
