Meaning
An idea starts to bother someone.
Cultural Background
Hungarians value 'reading between the lines.' This idiom is often used in political discussions where people suspect hidden motives behind official statements. In some Szekler dialects, the phrase is used even more frequently for small daily mysteries, reflecting a culture of storytelling and folk wisdom. The 'nail' metaphor is linked to the historical importance of blacksmiths and carpenters in village life. A well-driven nail was a sign of quality and permanence.
Use 'szeget' not 'szöget'
While 'szöget' is modern, 'szeget' makes you sound much more like a native speaker in this idiom.
Don't use for good news
If you win the lottery, it doesn't 'strike a nail in your head.' Use it for mysteries or worries.
Meaning
An idea starts to bother someone.
Use 'szeget' not 'szöget'
While 'szöget' is modern, 'szeget' makes you sound much more like a native speaker in this idiom.
Don't use for good news
If you win the lottery, it doesn't 'strike a nail in your head.' Use it for mysteries or worries.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the word 'fej' (head).
A titkos levél szeget ütött a ______ (my head).
Since it's 'my head', you need the first-person singular possessive 'fejem' plus the illative '-be'.
Which situation best fits the idiom?
Mikor mondjuk: 'Szeget ütött a fejébe'?
The idiom is used when a thought or suspicion starts to bother someone.
Complete the dialogue.
Péter: 'Láttad? Mari nem köszönt nekem.' Gábor: 'Igen, ez nekem is ______.'
Gábor is speaking for himself, so 'my head' is correct.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesA titkos levél szeget ütött a ______ (my head).
Since it's 'my head', you need the first-person singular possessive 'fejem' plus the illative '-be'.
Mikor mondjuk: 'Szeget ütött a fejébe'?
The idiom is used when a thought or suspicion starts to bother someone.
Péter: 'Láttad? Mari nem köszönt nekem.' Gábor: 'Igen, ez nekem is ______.'
Gábor is speaking for himself, so 'my head' is correct.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsNo, it's neutral and very common in polite conversation.
Usually no. It implies the thought is a bit bothersome or suspicious.
Related Phrases
Bogarat tesz a fülébe
similarTo put a bug in someone's ear.
Fúrja az oldalát
similarIt bores into his side.
Kiesik a fejéből
contrastTo fall out of one's head.
