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Glite Dictionary
just so

just so

39 4.4
To do something in a careful, exact way to get the right result
  • idiom
translation icon : exactamente
  • I brought this along just so there's no confusion.
  • arranged just so
  • hair just so

So let's let's do it just so it's clear.

Examples

  • His actions have the character of a ritual: each thing being done just so, in time-honored fashion.

    Fiction book (1992)

  • The presentation was set up just so, ensuring all details were perfect.

  • Everything has to be just so.

    Copycat (1995)

  • I learn my trade from the Indians and I do things just so.

    Northern Lights (1978)

  • The holes had to be placed just so, or the notes were wrong.

    Fiction book (1994)

  • Put your index finger here, just so, and bend your knee.

    Fiction book (1995)

  • Just so you know, I don't have any money.

    A Dog's Journey (2019)

  • It's just so great!

    World Trade Center (2006)

  • Every plane of expensive fabric lies just so along a body trimmed, toned, and tanned.

    Fiction book (1995)

  • Just so you know, they leave behind four wives, one fiancée, six kids.

    21 Bridges (2019)

Synonyms

exactly
vsjust so
∞ 1.0

In a completely correct way

adds an emphasis on careful manner and desired outcome beyond strict correctness
precisely
vsjust so
470 3.4

Show that something is exactly right or that you agree

stresses doing things in a careful way to meet needs not only correctness
meticulously
vsjust so
32 8.3

With great care and close attention to small details

is about matching required outcome rather than only careful process
on the money
vsjust so
  • Informal
31 6.0

Exactly right in what someone says or does

is more about careful execution to match requirements rather than casual rightness
to the letter
vsjust so
  • Formal
23 4.4

Act exactly as told, without changing any detail

prefers a careful approach aimed at achieving the desired result rather than strict rule following
to a T
vsjust so
  • Informal
10 7.6

In a way that is exact in every detail

focuses on careful process rather than only exact match to requirements

Antonyms

carelessly
20 1.0

In a way that you do something without thinking or paying attention

imprecisely
1 5.4

In a not exact or clear way that can cause mistakes

How Precise

exactly
∞ 1.0
just so
39 4.4
about
∞ 1.0
roughly
373 1.6

Surface Forms

just so positive

Morphology

just + so

The meaning 'in a careful or precise manner' is directly derivable from combining 'just' (precisely/exactly) with 'so' (in that way); together they literally mean 'exactly like that.' This straightforward compositional pattern is common cross-linguistically and follows normal adverbial modification, so a B1 learner who knows both words will very likely infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Just so may come from people who set things just so, putting each part exactly where it should be. Imagine a tailor pinning a sleeve just so to get a perfect fit, and that's why the phrase now means 'in a careful or exact way'.