Nail it

Slang Term AmericanBritishAustralian ★★★★★ Very Common Casual
Practice this with flashcards, quizzes & audio on WordLoci

Meaning: To do something perfectly or exactly right.

做得完美,恰到好处
clavar algo, hacerlo perfecto
完璧にやる、バッチリ決める
완벽하게 해내다, 딱 맞게 해내다

To execute something flawlessly, hitting it perfectly like a nail being driven home.

完美无瑕地执行某事,像钉子被敲入一样精准。
Ejecutar algo impecablemente, acertando perfectamente como un clavo bien clavado.
何かを完璧に実行すること。釘をしっかり打ち込むように、的確にやり遂げる。
못을 정확히 박아 넣듯이 어떤 일을 완벽하게 해내는 것.

Literal meaning: Hit the nail perfectly

Examples

  1. You nailed that presentation!
    你那个演讲太棒了!
    ¡Clavaste esa presentación!
    プレゼン完璧だったよ!
    프레젠테이션 완벽했어!
  2. She nailed the landing.
    她的落地动作完美
    Clavó el aterrizaje
    彼女は着地を完璧に決めた
    그녀는 착지를 완벽하게 해냈어.
  3. If you nail this interview, the job is yours.
    如果你搞定这个面试,工作就是你的了
    Si clavas esta entrevista, el trabajo es tuyo
    この面接を決めれば、仕事は君のものだ
    이 면접만 완벽하게 해내면 그 일자리는 네 거야.

Pronunciation

/neɪl ɪt/

Usage Guide

Context: perfection, success, accuracy

Tone: approving, impressed

✓ Do Say

  • You nailed it!
    你做得太棒了!
    ¡Lo has clavado!
    完璧だったよ!
    완벽하게 해냈어!
  • Absolutely nailed it.
    完全做到了
    Lo has clavado totalmente
    バッチリだったね
    완전 완벽했어.
  • Nailed that!
    搞定了!
    ¡Clavado!
    バッチリだったね!
    딱 해냈다!

✗ Don't Say

  • Did it perfectly
    做得很好
    Lo hiciste perfecto
    完璧にできた
    완벽하게 했어
  • Got it right
    做对了
    Lo conseguiste
    ちゃんとできた
    제대로 해냈어

Common Mistakes

Origin & History

From hitting a nail perfectly on the head.

Etymology: American slang

First recorded: Late 20th century

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal

Pop culture: American Idol/talent shows; Sports commentary

Regional notes: American origin but now universal.

Variations

Nail itNailed itAbsolutely nailed it

Related Phrases

More From This Topic

Smash it ★★★★★ To succeed brilliantly or perform excellently. Pull it off ★★★★★ To succeed in doing something difficult. Fall through ★★★★★ To fail to happen or be completed. Ace it ★★★★★ To do something extremely well, especially a test. Flop ★★★★★ A complete failure, especially of a performance or product. Hit the jackpot ★★★★★ To have great success or good fortune.
X / Twitter WhatsApp Facebook

More from Success & Failure

Practice "Nail it" on WordLoci

Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation & spaced repetition — all free