What is the Meaning of the Expression
TO NAIL SOMETHING?

for English Language Learners

Definition:

This has several meanings in Canadian conversational English, or everyday English.

To nail something means to complete it successfully.

When you say, “I nailed it“, you mean you did it exactly right.

Examples:

1. I was really worried about that exam, but it was easier than I expected. I think I nailed it.

2. He nailed his last jump on the ski hill.

HUMOUR using NAILED IT

People often use nailed it in a humorous way, when it is obvious they have not nailed it at all!

Example:

I see a beautifully decorated cake on Pinterest. I try to make it but my cake looks terrible.

On social media, I post a photo of the perfect cake next to a photo of my cake and write, “Nailed it!”. It is funny, because it is obvious to everyone that I did not nail it, and that I am laughing at myself for my terrible cake-decorating skills.

Have you seen the Netflix series NAILED IT?

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