sweet spot

American  

[sweet spot] / ˈswit ˌspɒt /

noun

1. Sports. the spot on a club, racket, bat, etc., where a ball is most effectively hit.

2. a point, range, or particular set of conditions that will achieve the most desirable or effective outcome.

   The trick is finding the sweet spot between making the puzzle challenging but not impossible.

---

sweet spot British  

noun

1. sport the centre area of a racquet, golf club, etc, from which the cleanest shots are made

---

Etymology

Origin of sweet spot

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

In an era when streamers are deluged with AI slop, and artists cut ties over corporate titans’ investments, Qobuz found a sweet spot for an emerging streamer.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2026

That’s right in the sweet spot, according to experts — making investors money without the company leaving too much funding that it could have raised on the table.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 12, 2026

“The data center folks have found a sweet spot in the state that has limited regulations,” said Hill County Commissioner Jim Holcomb.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026

Her view was that hackers like her were in a "in a sweet spot" where AI was an aid.

From BBC • May 27, 2026

Unfortunately, the band was only partway through the set, had just charged into “Can’t Stop,” when I was slammed from my sweet spot.

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx