THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Hit the nail on the head
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem; to be exactly right.
Usage note: keep in mind
Use this idiom when someone identifies the exact cause, explanation or point. The past form remains hit. It commonly responds to a comment: you've hit the nail on the head. It praises accuracy rather than the amount of detail.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- When she said the project failed due to poor communication, she really hit the nail on the head.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the two questions without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
0 of 2 checked correctly
Review the meaning
To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem; to be exactly right.
2. Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
When she said the project failed due to poor communication, she really ________.
Show the answer
Hit the nail on the head — To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem; to be exactly right.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Hit the nail on the head” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem; to be exactly right.
Compare: When she said the project failed due to poor communication, she really hit the nail on the head.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.
This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.
GO DEEPER
More ways to understand and use it
Jump to a section
More examples in context
- When you said the instructions were unclear, you hit the nail on the head.
- Her explanation of why customers were confused hit the nail on the head.
Check your understanding
Someone says, 'The problem is that both buttons look identical,' and that is exactly the cause. Complete the response: 'You've ___. '
Check your answer
You've hit the nail on the head. The speaker has identified the precise issue, not merely suggested a related problem.
Use it in your own words
Write one new situation where hit the nail on the head fits. Explain the situation in plain English first, then rewrite it using the expression. Check that the tone and meaning suit your audience.