on the nose

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Explanation of "On the Nose"

Definition: The phrase "on the nose" is used to describe something that is exactly right or precise. It means that something meets a specific requirement or expectation perfectly.

Usage Instructions

• Part of Speech: It can be used as an adjective or an adverb.
• Context: You can use "on the nose" when talking about guesses, predictions, estimates, or any situation where precision is important.

Examples

1. As an Adjective:

   • "His guess about the number of people at the party was on the nose."
   • (This means his guess was exactly correct.)

2. As an Adverb:

   • "The train arrived on the nose at 3 PM."
   • (This means the train arrived exactly at 3 PM, not a minute late or early.)

Advanced Usage

• You might use "on the nose" in more formal or technical settings, such as during discussions about project deadlines or budget estimates, to emphasize the accuracy of your statements.

Word Variants

• There are no direct variants of "on the nose," but you might encounter similar idiomatic expressions that convey precision, such as "right on target" or "spot on."

Different Meanings

• While "on the nose" primarily means precise, it can also be interpreted in specific contexts, such as in betting (where it means the exact outcome), or in the culinary world (where it indicates the perfect balance of flavors).

Synonyms

• Exact
• Precise
• Spot on
• Right on target
• Right on the button

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• "Right on the button": This is a similar phrase that means something is exactly correct.
• "Hit the nail on the head": This idiom means to describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem, similar to being precise.

Summary

"On the nose" is a useful phrase to express accuracy and precision in various contexts.

Academic

Adjective

1. being precise with regard to a prescribed or specified criterion
   • his guess was on the nose
   • the prediction for snow was right on the button

Adverb

1. just as it should be
   • `Precisely, my lord,' he said

Synonyms

• on the button
• precisely
• exactly
• on the dot