on the button
1
6.6
- idiom
:
exactamente
- The meeting will begin at 3 PM on the button, so please be on time.
- Right on the button
Examples
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They start on the button.
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She was right on the button.
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You are right on the button, EL.
Blog text (17) -
Right on the button. #TROY#
Fiction book (1999) -
I got over to him in three quick strides and hit him once, square on the button.
Fiction book (1999) -
I think Mr. Lira is right on the button!
Blog text (33) -
Well, whoever said it, you're right on the button.
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Definitely on the button.
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Willis, your reply is right on the button, and in no way OTT as some have suggested.
Blog text (23) -
His analysis of the problem was right on the button, leading us to the correct solution.
Synonyms
680
3.0
Exactly correct in every detail
286
3.6
Exactly correct and clear about small details
112
7.0
Exactly correct in what someone says
42
4.4
Exactly right about a fact or idea
31
6.0
Exactly right in what someone says or does
15
5.9
Exactly correct in every detail
8
6.0
Exactly right and very accurate
3
7.4
Exactly right for a situation or need
Antonyms
How Accurate
Surface Forms
Morphology
on + the + button
The meaning 'exactly correct' is only partially derivable from the parts: 'on' signals position and 'button' can metaphorically suggest a small precise point, so learners might guess a sense of exactness. However the conventionalized idiomatic use ('on the button' = precisely/timely) is metaphorical and not fully predictable from the literal constituents, so prior exposure is usually needed for a B1 learner.
Etymology
On the button may come from the sport of curling, where the very center of the target is called the button and hitting it is a perfect shot. That's why on the button means 'exactly right' or perfectly timed.