on the button
- idiom
:
puntual
- He submitted his report on the button, meeting the precise deadline set by his manager.
Examples
-
The train arrived at 6 PM on the button, just as the schedule indicated.
-
Well, Coop, if you look at your watch, you'll see that it's nine o'clock on the button.
-
4:00 on the button.
-
The presentation was on the button, perfectly matching the client's expectations for quality and detail.
Synonyms
680
3.0
Exactly correct in every detail
286
3.6
Exactly correct and clear about small details
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
6
4.8
Exactly correct about a fact or answer
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 old stopwatches, where a small button is pressed at the exact second to stop the time and mark a perfect moment. So calling something on the button means it is 'exactly correct' or very precise.