English · Greetings & Phrases
hit the nail on the head
/hɪt ðə neɪl ɒn ðə hed/
[/hɪt ðə neɪl ɒn ðə hed/]
be exactly right
Intermediatephrase
Definition
To describe or identify something exactly and accurately.
Example
You hit the nail on the head when you said the project failed because of poor communication.
You hit the nail on the head when you said the project failed because of poor communication.
Etymology
From carpentry, where striking a nail squarely is precise; figurative use dates to the 16th century.
How & Where It’s Used
Common for praising an accurate observation.