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

See Examples For:

on the nose

Bild said the plane landed safely at Hanover airport, where minor damage was discovered on the nose section.

From BBC ● Aug. 5, 2026

And facts so clean that a satirist would reject them as too on the nose: one six-pack, one dry village, one retired pilot, one $95,000 plane.

From Slate ● Jul. 28, 2026

Bottle bio: This 100% Glera bottling from Italy’s prestigious Veneto region showcases apple and white fruit on the nose.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 3, 2026

Chances are, you’ll retire either sooner or later than you plan to, rather than hit that date on the nose.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 29, 2026

The important thing is to unleash your Inner Stickler, while at the same time not getting punched on the nose, or arrested for damage to private property.

From "Eats, Shoots & Leaves" by Author