on the dot
on the dot
Meaning | Synonyms
- exactly on time
- at a precise time
- punctually
- precisely
- promptly
Example Sentences
- We were asked to be there at five on the dot.
- The Metro train arrived at five o’clock on the dot.
- Ruth came promptly on the dot of nine.
- The birthday party will begin at 7 on the dot.
- My daughter leaves for school at six on the dot at early morning.
Origin
The expression may have originated from the ancient “to a dot,” meaning “precisely” since the early 1700s – but no more heard nowadays.
In its current form, the idiom can be traced back to the 1900s.
For instance, American writer Rex Stout (noted for his detective fiction) used it frequently to describe his compulsively punctual detective Nero Wolfe as in Champagne for One first published in 1958:
“At six, on the dot as always, Wolfe entered.”
Share your opinions1 Opinion
As a kid in the 1960’s I grew up with my father using that phrase. I figured that “Dot” referred to his wristwatch as 12, 3, 6 and 9 were just “Dots” on his watch, hence “On the dot”. Could the phrase originate from dots being used instead of numbers? IE: in the military, I’m sure some commander’s watches had dots instead of numbers and the phrase “On the Dot” was coined and was taken to mean “At the exact time”. This makes more sense than just tell us what the meaning is, not saying this was the origin of “on the dot”. Others as well as myself are fascinated with the origins and not just the meanings. Only uneducated idiots need phrases explained.
‒ Tracy February 9, 2025