Dead on Meaning in English
expression
ˈdɛd/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn
DED-awn
dˈɛd/ /ˈɒn
DED-on
Definition
Used to say something is exactly correct, accurate, or directly on target; often used for precise answers, times, or locations.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, common in spoken English. Often used with numbers ('dead on 6 o'clock'), or to strongly confirm an answer ('dead on!'). Not literal; avoid confusing with 'dead' as 'not alive.'
Spanish: exacto - justoPortuguese (BR): exato - certeiroPortuguese (PT): exato - certeiroChinese (Simplified): 完全准确 - 正中目标Chinese (Traditional): 完全準確 - 正中目標Hindi: बिल्कुल सही - ठीकArabic: بالضبط - دقيقBengali: ঠিক ঠিক - একেবারে ঠিকRussian: точно - в точкуJapanese: ぴったり - 正確にVietnamese: chuẩn xác - chính xácKorean: 정확히 - 딱 맞게Turkish: tam olarak - tam üstüneUrdu: بالکل درست - بالکل عینIndonesian: tepat sekali - persis
Example Sentences
Your answer is dead on.
basic
The meeting starts dead on 9 o'clock.
basic
He hit the target dead on.
basic
Wow, your prediction was dead on!
natural
Her guess was dead on the mark.
natural
Lunch was served dead on time.
natural