hit home

(idiom) understood with a strong and personal effect

Example Sentences:

I was never worried about my health, but when my brother died from a heart attack, it really hit home. Now I exercise every day and eat right.

Mary’s car accident really hit home for her, and after that she decided she had to start driving more carefully in the future.

Media:

Similar idioms:

1. pull through
2. hit it off
3. hit the road
4. better late than never
5. hit-and-miss