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Meaning & use

hits home

phrase·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˌhɪts ˈhəʊm/
US/ˌhɪts ˈhoʊm/

Meanings

  1. phraseidiom

    Becomes painfully clear or personally meaningful to someone, often suddenly.

    Grammar: Used as a verb phrase; the subject is usually a fact, remark, or event, not a person.

    Patterns

    • something hits home
    • something hits home for someone
    • something hits home that …

    Her comment about wasting time really hit home, and I started studying that evening.

    When the doctor explained the risks, it hit home that I had to change my habits.

    The news of the flood hit home for everyone who had family in that region.

  2. phraseidiom

    Reaches the intended place or target successfully, especially of a blow or a shot.

    Grammar: Literally about a punch, kick, or shot landing where it was aimed; often used with 'really' or 'hard'.

    Patterns

    • the punch hits home
    • the shot hits home

    The boxer's final punch hit home and ended the fight.

    His arrow hit home right in the middle of the target.

Common combinations

hit home hard
The story of the lost dog hit home hard for the whole neighborhood.
really hit home
Her advice about saving money really hit home after I lost my job.
hit home for someone
The documentary about hunger hit home for many viewers.
hit home with someone
His speech about courage hit home with the young soldiers.
hit close to home
The crime report hit close to home because it happened on my street.

Synonyms and how they differ

sink in
Focuses on understanding gradually over time, while 'hit home' stresses the emotional shock of realizing something.
strike a chord
Means to create a feeling of agreement or recognition; 'hit home' is stronger and often more painful or personal.
register
A neutral word for something being noticed or understood; 'hit home' adds deep personal impact.

Word family

hit verb
To strike someone or something with force.
home adverb
To or at the place where you live, or toward a target.

Commonly confused: hits home or hit close to home?

hits home vs hit close to home

This means the subject is personally relevant or uncomfortably near to you, while 'hits home' means the message finally has a strong emotional effect.

Practice

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