X marks the spot

Idioms and Phrases

This mark shows the location, as in On the postcard, X marks the spot where we picked blueberries . Although the use of a cross or X is probably much older, this term was first recorded in 1813.

Example Sentences

Parking-lot lights illuminated two newly planted palm trees, leaning at nearly 45 degrees, roped together to form the burger chain’s iconic “X marks the spot.”

From Slate

But there are other cases in which scholars can only guess about the origins of x’s role, such as the phrase “X marks the spot.”

From Scientific American

Connor does a full spin—his arms held out at his sides, the hood of his yellow raincoat drawn over his head—and says, “Is this it? Is this where X marks the spot?”

From Literature

But Jack surges ahead and says, “Yep! X marks the spot, bud. This is a treasure map! Are you ready to see where the treasure is hidden?”

From Literature

“Oak trees are like ‘X marks the spot,’ because there are so many mushrooms that have special relationships with oak trees,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• place
• point
• position
• section
• setting
• site
• situation
• slot
• station