on the nose

phrase

Synonyms of on the nosenext
1
a
: at or to a target point
the bombs landed right on the nose
b(1)
: on target : accurate
(2)
: accurately
2
: to win
—used of horse or dog racing bets

Examples of on the nose in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The script, likewise, is often a little on the nose, often saying out loud what ought to be subtext and undercutting the rich sense of mystery that envelops the film right up until the big reveal. — Damon Wise, Deadline, 6 July 2026 To its sadly unusual credit, each Enola Holmes film has taken on a different social issue to address, albeit at times rather on the nose-edly. — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 This is perhaps too on the nose, but what is the story of America without Native Americans and Indigenous storytellers? — Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 As meet-cutes go, the first encounter between Jeff and Emilie Goldblum (née Livingston) was almost too on the nose. — Mayer Rus, Architectural Digest, 1 July 2026

Rhymes for on the nose

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Browse Nearby Words

on the nod
on the nose
on the off chance
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Cite this Entry

“On the nose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20nose. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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