on the dot

Idioms and Phrases

Exactly on time, as in We had to be there at eight on the dot . The dot in this idiom is the mark appearing on the face of a watch or clock indicating the time in question. It may come from the earlier to a dot , meaning “exactly” since the early 1700s but no longer heard today. [c. 1900] Also see on the button .

Example Sentences

Emily also says she got phone calls from “multiple family members at nine on the dot”, which she found really frustrating.

From BBC

It’s almost noon, and JP always says his sugar drops drastically if he doesn’t eat at exactly twelve on the dot.

From Literature

There may be a rough idea of what they will play that night, but Lyle will change on the dot.

From Salon

But Seattle’s own veterans enjoyed a solid night on the dot to the tune of 59.3%.

From Seattle Times

Jackson would meet up with Salwasser at 3:30 a.m., sometimes right on the dot, ready to hit the gym for a lift.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• beforehand
• briefly
• directly
• immediately
• prematurely
• previous
• promptly
• quick
• shortly
• soon
• too soon
• unexpectedly