dot the i's and cross the t's
Attend every detail
To dot the i's and cross the t's is to attend to every detail, ensuring nothing is overlooked before finishing a task.
The phrase evokes the final steps of careful handwriting—going back to add the marks that complete those letters.
It often appears in contexts involving contracts, paperwork, or any work requiring precision: Let's dot the i's and cross the t's before we submit the proposal.
- attentivenessConcentrated awareness of surroundings
- attention to detailFocus on specifics
- accuracyDegree of correctness
- finalizeSettle decisively
- tick all the boxesSatisfy all requirements
proofreading · care · systematization · flawlessness · exactitude · fine print · finishing touches · scrutiny · planning · quality control · fastidiousness · vigilance · by the book · execution · diligence · thoroughness · due diligence · double-checking
dot the i's and cross the t'scut corners
Reduce effort or cost improperly
phone it in · wing it · gloss over · fudge it · paper over the cracks
dot the i's and cross the t'scobble together
Assemble hastily from whatever's available
throw together · slap together · dash off · muddle through · good enough for government work
crossing, dotted, crossed, crosses, dotting, crossover, crossable, dottiness