Synonyms

on the nose

Idioms

Exactly, precisely; especially, at the appointed time or estimated amount. For example, The busload of students arrived at the museum at ten o'clock right on the nose, or He guessed the final score on the nose. This term, like on the button, may come from boxing, where the opponent's nose is a highly desired target. [c. 1930]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I could tell by the surprised look on the little mare’s face that it was the first time she had been kissed on the nose by a hound dog.

From Literature

Lee Knight’s “A Friend of Dorothy” may be a tad on the nose about the cultural and emotional impact of a lonely London widow on a closeted teenaged boy.

From Los Angeles Times

Red lights are on the nose, of course, to echo Rudolph.

From Salon

"We made a snowman - I remember not having a carrot to put on the nose, so we ended up with an apple," she said.

From BBC

The latest Marvel movie: Mr. Kellerman thinks the soundtrack was “a little too on the nose,” whatever that means.

From Literature

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023