on the button

but·ton  (btn)

n.

1.

a. A generally disk-shaped fastener used to join two parts of a garment by fitting through a buttonhole or loop.

b. Such an object used for decoration.

2. Any of various objects resembling a button, especially:

a. A push-button switch.

b. The blunt tip of a fencing foil.

c. A fused metal or glass globule.

3. Computer Science

a. In graphical user interface systems, a well-defined area within the interface that is clicked to select a command.

b. In a hypertext database, an icon that when selected allows a user to view a particular associated object.

4. Any of various knoblike structures of a plant or animal, especially:

a. An immature, unexpanded mushroom.

b. The tip of a rattlesnake's rattle.

5. A usually round flat badge that bears a design or printed information and is typically pinned to a garment: a campaign button.

6. Informal The end of the chin, regarded as the point of impact for a punch.

v. but·toned, but·ton·ing, but·tons

v.tr.

1. To fasten with buttons: buttoned his shirt; buttoned up her raincoat.

2. To decorate or furnish with buttons.

3. Informal To close (the lips or mouth): Button your lip.

v.intr.

To be or be capable of being fastened with buttons: The blouse buttons up the back.

Phrasal Verb:

button up

1. To fasten one's clothing tightly, as against cold weather.

2. To close or seal securely: button up the cabin for winter.

3. To complete the final details of: "Publication is a couple of months off; they're just buttoning up paperback rights" Donald Dale Jackson.

Idiom:

on the button

Exactly; precisely.

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[Middle English, from Old French bouton, from bouter, to thrust, of Germanic origin; see bhau- in Indo-European roots.]

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button·er n.

button·y adj.

Thesaurus

Adj.	1.	on the button - being precise with regard to a prescribed or specified criterion; "his guess was on the nose"; "the prediction for snow was right on the button" on the nose precise - sharply exact or accurate or delimited; "a precise mind"; "specified a precise amount"; "arrived at the precise moment"
Adv.	1.	on the button - just as it should be; "`Precisely, my lord,' he said" on the dot, on the nose, exactly, precisely