dead-on

[ ded-on, -awn ]

adjective

, Informal.

1. exactly right, accurate, or pertinent:

   The film director has a dead-on feel for characterization.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dead-on¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

He was also a dead-on mimic, the kind of guy who could eavesdrop on a snatch of conversation and instantly spoof both ends.

From The Daily Beast

The April prediction of $30 billion in losses, in other words, had been dead-on.

From The Daily Beast

Reading these dead-on descriptions, a runner feels a pleasurable sensation of recognition.

From The Daily Beast

Any dead-on depiction of real squalor is open to the accusation of "using India" as eye-catching wallpaper.

From The Daily Beast

As far as could be seen, she was holding her own well in what had now become a dead-on stern chase.

From Project Gutenberg

What wind there was blew dead on-shore, which was not as the skipper would have had it.

From Project Gutenberg

Then it was hit dead-on by what must have been at least a hundred-pound high explosive rocket.

From Project Gutenberg

Later on his meaning was illustrated more fully on a dark night in a tight corner during a dead on-shore gale.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• accurate
• precise