avere un chiodo fisso
Da quando ha visto quel film, Marco ha un chiodo fisso: vuole diventare regista.
Ever since he saw that movie, Marco has had a fixation: he wants to become a director.
to be obsessed with something or someone, often to an irrational degree
Non riesco a smettere di pensare a quel problema: ho proprio un chiodo fisso!
I can't stop thinking about that problem: I really have a fixation on it!
Mia sorella ha un chiodo fisso per le scarpe italiane: ne compra sempre almeno una coppia nuova ogni mese.
My sister has a fixation on Italian shoes: she buys at least one new pair every month.
Often used to describe an irrational or exaggerated obsession, sometimes bordering on compulsion.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
When to use
Use 'avere un chiodo fisso' when describing an obsession that feels irrational or exaggerated. It’s stronger than 'avere una fissazione' but less intense than 'essere ossessionato' (which can imply clinical obsession).
Gold Rule
Avoid literal interpretation
This is an idiom: do not interpret it as having a literal nail in one's head. The 'chiodo fisso' is a metaphor for an unshakable thought or desire.
Word Origin
The phrase combines 'avere' (to have) with 'chiodo' (nail) and 'fisso' (fixed/stuck). The metaphor likely originates from the idea of something being 'nailed' into one's mind, implying an unshakable obsession or fixation.
Usage Notes
This idiom is common in informal speech and can carry a slightly humorous or exaggerated tone. It is not used in formal or professional contexts.