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