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target
dead on target
1. Precisely aimed, as of a shot or throw. His shot was dead on target from nearly midfield, placed perfectly in the corner of the goal. That pitcher has been throwing dead on target all game, striking out nearly every batter.
2. Exactly correct or to the intended point. I think her speech was dead on target about what this country needs to prioritize for the future.
Target run
A shopping trip to the department store Target. A: "How does every Target run end up costing me at least $50?" B: "Because you say you're only getting milk and paper towels, and then you come home with 12 other things."
on target
on schedule; exactly as predicted. Your estimate of the cost was right on target. My prediction was not on target.
target someone or something as something
to aim at someone or something as something; to choose someone or something as someone or something. The board targeted Alice as a potential candidate. We targeted the first of August as the starting date.
(right) on target
correct or accurate Many of Mr. Bryant's criticisms were on target but others were not fair. Estimates of costs for the new high school were right on target.
on target
Completely accurate, wholly valid, as in Our cost estimates were right on target, or His criticisms were on target. This seemingly old expression dates only from the mid-1900s, and the colloquial use of target for a goal one wishes to achieve dates from about 1940.
on-target
mod. timely; exact; incisive. Your criticism is exactly on-target.
on target
Completely accurate, precise, or valid: observations that were right on target.