on the money: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘on the money’ mean?
The idiom "on the money" means to be exactly correct or accurate.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "take to the bank" means to consider something as certain or reliable, usually in the context of information or promises that can be trusted and relied upon without any doubt or hesitation.
The idiom "right on" is used to express agreement or approval with something that has been said or done. It is an informal phrase often used in casual conversations to indicate support or enthusiasm.
The idiom "on track" means to be progressing or moving forward in a positive and successful way, often in relation to a plan or goal.
The idiom "on the mark" means that something or someone is accurate or correct in their assessment or prediction.
The idiom "on the level" means to be honest, sincere, and truthful in one's intentions or actions.
The idiom "on the double" means to do something quickly or immediately.
"On the dot" means exactly at the expected or agreed-upon time, with no delay or deviation. It implies punctuality and precision in meeting a schedule or deadline.
The idiom "on the clock" means being paid for the time spent working. It implies that a person is actively engaged in their job responsibilities and under the time constraint of their employer.
The idiom "on the button" means to be exactly punctual or precise, often referring to an exact time or the right moment for something. It is used to indicate accuracy and timeliness.
The Perfect Precision
The idiom "on the money" is a commonly used phrase in American English. It means that something is absolutely correct or accurate. This idiom is often used in various contexts, such as financial matters, sports, and general assessments of correctness.
The origin of the idiom "on the money" is thought to be derived from the world of gambling. In the early 20th century, the term "money" was often used to refer to chips or bets in gambling. Therefore, being "on the money" meant that a bet or prediction was precisely correct, resulting in winning or making money. Over time, the idiom has moved beyond gambling and has become a common expression in everyday language.
The idiom "on the money" has become popular in various fields, including business and finance. In the financial world, where accuracy and precision are highly valued, being "on the money" is important. For instance, a financial analyst who accurately predicts the performance of a stock or market movement might be described as being "on the money."
Additionally, the idiom is frequently used in the realm of sports. When a player achieves a precise and accurate shot or throw, it can be described as "on the money." This usage acknowledges the player's exceptional skill and accuracy. Furthermore, in assessments of performance or predictions in various areas, if someone's prediction or assessment turns out to be exactly correct, it can be said to be "on the money."
The idiom "in the money" is closely related to "on the money." While "on the money" refers to something being correct or accurate, "in the money" has a different meaning. "In the money" generally refers to being in a financially advantageous position or having money available. It is often used to describe successful investments or winning bets. Although the two idioms have similar origins, they are used in different contexts.
Another related idiom is "on the mark." "On the mark" means that something is precisely or accurately done or said. It is often used to describe a well-executed action, such as hitting a target with accuracy or providing an accurate answer. Similarly, the idiom "dead on" has a similar meaning of being precisely correct or accurate. It emphasizes the accuracy and exactness of a statement, prediction, or action.
The idiom "on the money" has become firmly ingrained in American English, indicating precision, accuracy, and correctness. While its origins are related to gambling, it has extended its usage to various contexts beyond games of chance. The idiom is employed in finance, sports, and general assessments to emphasize the exactness and correctness of a statement, prediction, or performance. With its widespread usage and well-established meaning, "on the money" continues to be a frequent and recognizable phrase in contemporary American English.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "on the money" can be used in a sentence:
1. John's prediction about the final score of the game was right on the money.
2. The CFO's financial analysis was on the money, accurately predicting the company's profits for the quarter.
3. I was skeptical at first, but after trying the recommended restaurant, I have to admit that the reviews were on the money.
More "Accuracy" idioms
