On the nose

adverb

Exactly correct or accurate.

Her predictions were right on the nose.
Visual representation of "on the nose" - Exactly correct or accurate

Often appears as...

  • right on the nose
  • hit on the nose

Usage tips

Idiomatic

adverb

Exactly at a particular time.

The train left right on the nose of 5 o'clock.
Visual representation of "on the nose" - Exactly at a particular time

Often appears as...

  • right on the nose
  • on the nose of

Usage tips

Idiomatic

adjective

Smelling very strongly and unpleasantly.

This blue cheese is quite on the nose.
Visual representation of "on the nose" - Smelling very strongly and unpleasantly

Often appears as...

  • quite on the nose
  • really on the nose

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Colloquial

adjective

Relating to film dialog that is very direct or blunt.

The character's on the nose statement about love left nothing to interpretation.
Visual representation of "on the nose" - Relating to film dialog that is very direct or blunt

Often appears as...

  • on the nose statement
  • on the nose dialog

Usage tips

Technical

adverb

Exactly correct or accurate.

Her predictions were right on the nose.
Visual representation of "on the nose" - Exactly correct or accurate

Often appears as...

  • right on the nose
  • hit on the nose

Usage tips

Idiomatic

adverb

Exactly at a particular time.

The train left right on the nose of 5 o'clock.
Visual representation of "on the nose" - Exactly at a particular time

Often appears as...

  • right on the nose
  • on the nose of

Usage tips

Idiomatic

adjective

Smelling very strongly and unpleasantly.

This blue cheese is quite on the nose.
Visual representation of "on the nose" - Smelling very strongly and unpleasantly

Often appears as...

  • quite on the nose
  • really on the nose

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Colloquial

adjective

Relating to film dialog that is very direct or blunt.

The character's on the nose statement about love left nothing to interpretation.
Visual representation of "on the nose" - Relating to film dialog that is very direct or blunt

Often appears as...

  • on the nose statement
  • on the nose dialog

Usage tips

Technical

Definition 1 of 4
Visual representation of "on the nose"
LampPro Tip 1/2

Precision Emphasis

Use 'on the nose' to stress the accuracy of something, akin to hitting a bullseye.

Illustration for Precision Emphasis
Your estimate is on the nose; the budget was just as you projected.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Compliment Precision

This phrase is often a compliment for someone's exactness or ability to forecast accurately.

Illustration for Compliment Precision
She answered the question on the nose, impressing everyone.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Precision Emphasis

Use 'on the nose' to stress the accuracy of something, akin to hitting a bullseye.

Illustration for Precision Emphasis
Your estimate is on the nose; the budget was just as you projected.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Compliment Precision

This phrase is often a compliment for someone's exactness or ability to forecast accurately.

Illustration for Compliment Precision
She answered the question on the nose, impressing everyone.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Precision Emphasis

Use 'on the nose' to stress the accuracy of something, akin to hitting a bullseye.

Illustration for Precision Emphasis
Your estimate is on the nose; the budget was just as you projected.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Compliment Precision

This phrase is often a compliment for someone's exactness or ability to forecast accurately.

Illustration for Compliment Precision
She answered the question on the nose, impressing everyone.
Visual representation of the word "On the nose"

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