Phrase guide

hit too close to home

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see hit, too, close, to, home.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To occur too close for comfort; to happen dangerously or uncomfortably near.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • I just barely managed to keep my job during the layoff – it really hit too close to home.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To be relatable in a negative way; to cause negative emotions by being similar or reminding; to be uncomfortably alike one's personal negative experiences.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • As a veteran, the war film I watched yesterday hit too close to home, making me remember many awful things.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.