On the button
Meaning
To be exactly right or perfectly precise, especially concerning timing or accuracy.
Origin
The phrase 'on the button' is widely believed to have emerged from the world of marksmanship, particularly in target shooting during the early 20th century. In many shooting sports, the very center of a bullseye target, the small, crucial point to hit for maximum score, was colloquially referred to as the 'button.' To strike this tiny, precise spot meant achieving perfect accuracy, hitting the target exactly where intended. This clear and precise imagery of marksmanship then permeated everyday language, becoming a popular expression for anything executed with perfect timing or impeccable correctness, just like a well-aimed shot.
Examples
- Her presentation was excellent; she finished right on the button, exactly when the timer ran out.
- The meteorologist predicted heavy rain at noon, and sure enough, the downpour started on the button.