on the button
Exactly as expected
Exactly right, precisely accurate, or at the exact time specified.
When something is on the button, it hits the mark perfectly: Her estimate was right on the button.
For timing, it means punctual to the second: The train arrived at noon on the button.
The phrase likely derives from a marksman hitting the center of a target.
- dead-onCompletely accurate
- accurateConforming to fact
- on the moneyExactly right
- punctualArriving when scheduled
- correctFree from error
exact · timely · bang-on · unerring · to the letter · spot-on · pinpoint · dead center · precise · definitive · just right · letter-perfect · well-timed · bullseye · nailed it · meticulous · flawless · on schedule
on the buttonway off
Extremely inaccurate
off the mark · wide of the mark · roughly · more or less · imprecise
button, buttons, unbutton, buttoned, unbuttoned, buttonhole, unbuttons, buttonholes, push-button