on the dot

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on the dot

He arrived at the meeting on the dot.

Definition

Adverb 1. Exactly at a specified time; punctually: Used to emphasize that something happens at the precise, agreed-upon moment, not a minute earlier or later.

Usage

The phrase "on the dot" is used to describe an action that occurs at an exact, pre-determined time. It is almost always used with a specific time reference (e.g., "at 3 o'clock," "at noon"). It emphasizes precision and punctuality.

Examples
  • The meeting started on the dot at 9:00 AM.
  • Please be here at seven on the dot; the bus leaves promptly.
  • He arrives for work every day at eight on the dot.
Advanced Usage
  • The phrase can be used with informal time indicators.
    • She calls me every night at bedtime on the dot.
  • It can be used figuratively to describe non-temporal precision, though this is less common.
    • The dancer landed the jump right on the dot of the marked spot.
Variants and Related Words
  • On the nose (idiom, adverb): Exactly right, especially regarding time or an amount. (Informal)
    • Your estimate was on the nose.
  • Sharp (adverb): Precisely at the stated time. Often used similarly in phrases like "at 10 o'clock sharp."
    • The ceremony begins at 2 PM sharp.
Synonyms
  • Exactly
  • Precisely
  • Promptly
  • Punctually
Related Idioms
  • To the minute: At the exact time, with no deviation.
    • The train, as always, departed to the minute.
  • Right on time: Happening at the scheduled time.
    • Thank you for being right on time.
on the dot

He arrived at the meeting on the dot.

Adverb
  1. just as it should be
    • `Precisely, my lord,' he said

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