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

"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

The latest Marvel movie: Mr. Kellerman thinks the soundtrack was “a little too on the nose,” whatever that means.

From Literature

Meanwhile—as in, simultaneously—VW Group has been creating a China-only version of the brand, for which the familiar four rings of the brandmark have been replaced with glowing sans-serif lettering on the nose.

From The Wall Street Journal

The only thing she questioned was whether playing the role was too on the nose, but she ultimately decided it was funny — and that she could pull it off well.

From Los Angeles Times

Most times, it’s the unexpected that hits us on the nose.

From The Wall Street Journal