the small blog of English lessons | Nailing the word “nail”

I’m writing another blog lesson. I hope I NAIL IT, so English learners reading it will get the lesson & begin speaking English better! 🙂

“Nail” is an interesting word. As a noun, it can be short for “fingernail,” as in people go to the nail salon to get their nails done. We call movies that are thrillers “a nail biter” because it can cause us to bite our fingernails in suspense. On the other hand, the word “nail” could also be the hardware used in construction, as in building things using a hammer and nails, and the idiom “You hit the nail on the head” means you’re exactly right or I agree with you.

AS IN – that is; for example

As a verb, “nail” can mean to attach or install something using a nail–Let’s nail the bookcase to the wall, or they’re nailing the window shut to prepare for the storm.

Idiomatically, however, to “nail” something means to do something perfectly or to do something so well that you hit the target. For example, we can nail a presentation, or we can nail a speech; actors can nail a performance. Similarly, if a friend does a great job with a school project or an essay or making a dish, you can tell your friend, “Great job! You totally nailed it!”

Here are some more examples:

Laura totally nailed that presentation, and everyone noticed!
Sam doesn’t think he did a good job, but I think he totally nailed it.
Derek nailed that performance. I think he’ll get first prize in the competition.
Stop worrying; you guys have been practicing so hard. I think you’re going to nail it.
It was Pete’s first time cooking for a huge crowd, and I heard he completely nailed it.