The idiomatic expression 'you hit the nail on the head' is a testament to the beauty and depth of language. It suggests that someone was exactly right or to the point. This expression is believed to have originated from the world of carpentry, where hitting the nail on the head is crucial for a successful job. Similarly, 'You nailed it' is a form of praise for someone who has done something exceptionally well or successfully.
In other words, you weren't able to nail it down. For instance, if you were discussing a problem at work and someone proposed a solution that turned out to be incorrect, you could say, 'You didn't quite hit the nail on the head with that one.' This means they were inaccurate or failed to solve the problem or question.
Anyone who has used a hammer in carpentry knows that if you do not hit the nail correctly, the nail will bend, making the job difficult.
A similar expression, 'to nail something down,' means to secure a commitment or agreement. Just as in carpentry, where you must hammer the nail completely down to complete the task, in conversation, 'nailing something down' means to finalize or secure a deal or agreement. It's fascinating how these idioms draw from practical experiences to enrich our language.
Carpentry, as a skill set, has been a cornerstone of human civilization since 8,000 BC.
A craftsman in carpentry is a fascinating species. It is both a craft and an art form. Modern society we know today could not function without the essential skills of carpentry. Like all other skills, when you find a good carpenter, keep busy and refer him to friends.
https://www.ancient-origins.net/history-ancient-traditions/woodworking-0011950