Idiom
hit the nail on the head
Meanings
To be exactly right about something; to express the correct idea or explanation.
To identify the true cause of a problem or the key point with precision.
Definition
To say or do exactly the right thing; to be perfectly correct.
If you hit the nail on the head, you describe a situation accurately or make a point that is exactly right. It often refers to identifying the real cause of a problem or the best explanation. People use it to praise someone’s precise comment, diagnosis, or solution.
Examples
- You really hit the nail on the head when you said the schedule is too tight.
- Her explanation hit the nail on the head, and everyone nodded.
- I think you hit the nail on the head about why sales dropped.
- The consultant hit the nail on the head with his diagnosis of the problem.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share a quick update or confirm plans.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to tease someone or make fun of them in a not-too-serious way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idioms
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- close but no cigar Used to say someone almost succeeded but did not quite achieve the goal.
- down to the wire If something goes down to the wire, it is decided at the very last moment before the deadline or fi…
- lost the plot To become confused or unreasonable and no longer understand what is happening or what matters.
- ducks in a row To have everything organized and ready in the correct order.