Meaning & use
you will nail it
Last updated
Meaning
phrasefixed phraseinformal
used to tell someone that they will do something very well or succeed completely
Grammar: Used with a subject and 'will': you will nail it, she will nail it. The object 'it' refers to the task or performance.
Patterns
- will nail it
- going to nail it
- nail the interview
- nail the test
Don't worry about the presentation—you will nail it.
She practiced for hours, so she will nail the audition.
You will nail it if you just stay calm and remember your lines.
Common combinations
- nail the interview
- He was nervous, but he nailed the interview.
- nail the test
- If you study these notes, you'll nail the test.
- nail the presentation
- She nailed the presentation and everyone clapped.
- totally nail it
- I was worried, but you totally nailed it.
Synonyms and how they differ
- ace it
- This also means to do very well, especially on a test or exam; 'nail it' is more general and informal.
- smash it
- This is British informal and means to do something extremely well; 'nail it' is used in both American and British English.
Opposites
Commonly confused: you will nail it or nail down?
you will nail it vs nail down
'Nail down' means to finalize or secure something (e.g., nail down a date); 'nail it' means to perform perfectly.
Practice
You've rehearsed your speech many times. I'm sure you ___ it.
Choose one answer.
'Will nail it' is the correct idiom for succeeding at a performance. The other verbs do not form this encouraging phrase.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “you will nail it”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.