1140 Hit the nail on the head

Explanation

To describe something exactly right; to say or do something that is precisely correct or accurate.

Origin

Comes from carpentry. When hammering a nail, hitting it squarely on its head drives it in effectively. Missing is ineffective.
The metaphor means achieving precision and accuracy in a statement or action.
Used since at least the 18th century.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

Spot on.
Nailed it.
Bang on. (UK/Aus)
Dead right. (UK/Aus)
True dat. (AAVE origin, informal affirmation dat means that. Used casually to show strong agreement.)
Word. / Word up. (AAVE origin, general term of agreement/acknowledgement.)
Preach. (Often online/informal strongly agreeing with a relatable or insightful statement as if it's a universal truth.)
On point.

Vulgar/Emphatic:

Fuckin' A. (Strong agreement/affirmation.)
Damn right.
You fucking nailed it.

Milder/Standard:

That's exactly correct.
Precisely my thought.
You've accurately described it.

Situational Appropriateness

Appropriate in most contexts, informal and formal.
Spot on or nailed it might be more common in very casual settings.

Misunderstanding Warnings

Purely metaphorical. Must be understood as meaning exactly correct, not related to literal hammering.

Examples

You hit the nail on the head when you said he's motivated by money.
That analysis really hit the nail on the head.
Her description of the problem hit the nail on the head.

Dialogue

Anna: I think the reason the project is failing is a lack of clear communication.

Ben: You hit the nail on the head! That's exactly what I've been thinking. Everyone's working in silos.

Anna: We need to fix that ASAP.

Response Patterns

Thanks, I thought so too.
Glad you agree.
Exactly!
Right? (Seeking confirmation/shared understanding)

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

Often, there isn't a specific follow-up, as it marks a point of agreement or accurate description.
Might lead to further elaboration on the point that was accurate. Yeah, everything he does seems to be about profit.
The person praised might simply nod or express thanks.

Conversation Starter

No. It's a response expressing agreement with the accuracy of a statement.

Intonation

Stress on HIT, NAIL, and HEAD.
Often said with agreement and approval.
You HIT the NAIL on the HEAD!

Generation Differences

Widely understood and used across generations.
Nailed it is particularly popular among younger generations but understood by most.

Regional Variations

Common in all major English-speaking regions.

Hit the books

🎲 Hit the road

[1140] Hit the nail on the head