on the nose

Idioms  

1. Exactly, precisely; especially, at the appointed time or estimated amount. For example, The busload of students arrived at the museum at ten o'clock right on the nose, or He guessed the final score on the nose. This term, like on the button, may come from boxing, where the opponent's nose is a highly desired target. [c. 1930]

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Example Sentences

But on Sunday, anyone with an ego got swatted on the nose.

From Los Angeles Times

I could tell by the surprised look on the little mare’s face that it was the first time she had been kissed on the nose by a hound dog.

From Literature

Lee Knight’s “A Friend of Dorothy” may be a tad on the nose about the cultural and emotional impact of a lonely London widow on a closeted teenaged boy.

From Los Angeles Times

Red lights are on the nose, of course, to echo Rudolph.

From Salon

"We made a snowman - I remember not having a carrot to put on the nose, so we ended up with an apple," she said.

From BBC