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

See Examples For:

sweet spot

The tires have a sweet spot a mile wide.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 25, 2026

This outbreak seems to be in the sweet spot where a really bad outcome is possible if you get infected, but you’re probably going to be OK.

From Slate ● Jul. 17, 2026

At this sea level "sweet spot," low-oxygen waters overlapped with organic-rich continental shelf sediments.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 16, 2026

Venice is that bright, sweet spot in the middle, where you have the more relaxing presence of the water and the beach, but still connected to Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 26, 2026

It would mean he’d never hit the top, never hit that sweet spot in his career that inspired envy and respect from other men.

From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray