Hit hard

NAIL

["**Hint:** Think of a word that means to strike something precisely, or to succeed perfectly—like a hammer meeting its target.\n\n*(This hint guides the solver toward the dual meanings of \"nail\" without directly stating it, emphasizing both the physical act and the metaphorical success.)*"]

The clue **"Hit hard"** leads to the answer **"NAIL"** through a combination of literal and figurative meanings. 1. **Literal Meaning**: To "nail" something can mean to strike or hit it forcefully with a nail (as in hammering), which aligns with the idea of hitting hard. 2. **Figurative Meaning**: In informal language, "nail" is a verb meaning to succeed in doing something difficult or to perform exceptionally well (e.g., "She nailed the exam"). This also implies a strong, decisive action akin to hitting hard. Thus, the wordplay hinges on the dual meanings of "nail"—both as a physical act of striking and as a metaphor for achieving something with precision and force.