on the nose
1 of 1phrase/ɑn ðə noʊz/
1
used for emphasizing the correctness or accuracy of something
The idiom "on the nose" has origins in horse racing. In this context, "on the nose" referred to a bet placed on a horse to win, with the expectation that the chosen horse would cross the finish line first. The term gradually evolved to describe something that is precise, accurate, or exactly right, similar to predicting the winner of a race. People use the phrase "on the nose" to mean that something is exactly correct or accurate without any deviation or error.
- His estimate for the project completion date was right on the nose; it finished exactly when he predicted.
- The temperature reached the forecasted high of 90 degrees on the nose.
- The chef's seasoning was on the nose; the dish had the perfect amount of flavor.
- The actor's portrayal of the character was on the nose; it captured every nuance perfectly.
- She guessed the number of jellybeans in the jar on the nose; there were exactly 200.
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2
being precise with regard to a prescribed or specified criterion
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