on the dot

Preview（腕試し）

Kanako: Sorry to be late! Were you late, too, Minako?

Minako: No, I arrived at 6:30 on the dot.

　

Please guess the best answer.

A. Minako arrived a few minutes after 6:30.

B. Minako arrived a few minutes before 6:30.

C. Minako arrived at exactly 6:30.

　

Examples（例文）

This idiom means "punctually'" or "at the exact time." It is only used when speaking of time.　

I thought I was going to be late, but I arrived at the conference hall at ten o'clock on the dot. (I arrived at exactly ten o'clock.)

The meeting will start at eight o'clock on the dot. Please don't be late.

　

Exercises （練習）

Choose the best answer.

1. I wasn't early and I wasn't late--I got to the meeting at the scheduled starting time of 10:30 ____________ .

A. on the dot

B. by the dot

C. in the dot

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2. There is another idiom that means the same thing as "on the dot." Can you guess which one? (Remember: A dot is a small, round shape.)

A. on the "X"

B. on the dog

C. on the button