on the nose

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Although Sarah Paulson‘s Met Gala look was railed by Cosmopolitan as being “tone deaf,” her commentary on the 1% was very “almost on the nose, but not quite.”

From Salon • May 5, 2026

While historical comparisons and analogies can be overdone, the parallels between Washington in late November 2004 and today can feel a little too on the nose.

From Slate • May 4, 2026

The directors take a visual essay approach, contrasting Walden Pond and its woods and the rivers Thoreau rowed with sped-up footage of our crazy modern world — which can be a little on the nose.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

"We made a snowman - I remember not having a carrot to put on the nose, so we ended up with an apple," she said.

From BBC • Dec. 14, 2025

At nine on the nose, the man in the wagon beckons forth the first person, a roustabout.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen