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on-target
on-targetadjectivecorrect, accurate, or adhering closely to an anticipated outcome.
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on target
on targetCompletely accurate, wholly valid, as in Our cost estimates were right on target, or His criticisms were on target. This seemingly old expression dates only from the mid-1900s, and the colloquial use of target for a goal one wishes to achieve dates from about 1940.
on-target
Americanadjective
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
McGregor's superb effort was Celtic's first on-target effort of the entire game and came beyond the four minutes of added-on time indicated by the match officials.
From Barron's • Nov. 22, 2025
The Rams rookie also needs a good snap, fast and on-target.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2024
Last time out, a 3-1 defeat at rivals Bournemouth, Saints had almost 60% possession but only created three on-target chances.
From BBC • Oct. 4, 2024
The Sounders burst with energy from the opening whistle and outshot LA 11-3 overall, including 4-1 on-target, in the first half, but nothing that made Galaxy keeper John McCarthy sweat.
From Seattle Times • May 5, 2024
I would kick that red ball far into the outfield: hard, and on-target.
From "Merci Suárez Changes Gears" by Meg Medina
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.