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Glite Dictionary
dead on target

dead on target

4.9
Exactly as you plan or expect
  • idiom
translation icon : exacto
  • The archer's shot was dead on target, striking the center of the bullseye.

Examples

  • With her expert aim, she hit the bullseye dead on target every time.

  • - Dead on target, sir.

    Forbidden Planet (1956)

  • You are dead on target, John.

    Blog text (2)

  • Dead on target.

    Green Ice (1981)

  • His critique of the film was dead on target, capturing its flaws perfectly.

Synonyms

true
vsdead on target
261 1.0

Exactly aimed and hitting the intended point

refers specifically to placing or directing something exactly onto the intended target

Antonyms

inaccurate
113 4.3

Not correct or exact, with mistakes

off the mark
16 6.5

Not accurate or correct

How Accurate

dead on target
4.9
off the mark
16 6.5
wide of the mark
  • UK
1 7.1

Surface Forms

dead on target positive

Morphology

dead + on + target

The meaning is directly compositional: 'dead' functions as an intensifier meaning 'completely/exactly' and combined with the literal spatial relation 'on target' yields 'exactly on the intended mark.' This follows a common adjective + prepositional phrase pattern and is predictable for a B1 learner who knows the constituent word meanings.

Etymology

Dead on target comes from shooting and archery. Imagine a bullet or arrow hitting the very center: it is dead, meaning completely, on the target. So the phrase means 'exactly right' or 'completely accurate'.