ɒn ðə dɒt
Time
informal
beginner
- Literally:
- positioned exactly on a dot or mark
What does "on the dot" mean?
- exactly at the specified time
- punctually
Examples
- The meeting starts at 9 a.m. on the dot, so don't be late.
- She arrived at noon on the dot.
- The train departed at 7:15 on the dot.
Origin
Refers to the dots or marks on a clock face that indicate the hours and minutes.
How to use it
Placed after the stated time to emphasize exactness.
Similar expressions
precisely
exactly
sharp
punctually
Opposites
approximately
roughly
more or less
Related idioms
- in the long run
Over a long period of time
- better late than never
It's better to do something late than not to do it at all
- from time to time
occasionally, not regularly
- in the nick of time
Just in time; at the last possible moment
- run out of time
to have no more time left to do something
- time flies when you're having fun
Enjoyable moments seem to pass quickly
Use it in a practice answer
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