Dictionary

hit the spot en · VERB

Pronunciation

• (US) audio

Etymology

Likely originally reflecting either the same metaphor as scratch the itch or a shooting-at-a-target metaphor, although not always perceived through those lenses anymore.

Meanings

1. (idiomatic, informal) To be particularly pleasing or appropriate; to be just right.
   • Even in the Midwestern summer heat, Al’s dogs hit the spot. Chicago is indisputably a hot-dog town, and there may be no better time than summer to feel that sunshine in your hands. 2022 July 21, Eric Kim, “Welcome to Chicago, Hot Dog Town, U.S.A.”, in The New York Times:
   • Some ice cold lemonade would hit the spot on a warm afternoon.

Forms

Synonyms

scratch an itch · scratch the itch · hit the button

Translations (14)

fi tehdä eetvarttia (be particularly pleasing or appropriate) · fr passer crème (be particularly pleasing or appropriate) · is vera beint í æð (be particularly pleasing or appropriate) · fr faire mouche (be particularly pleasing or appropriate) · fi olla poikaa (be particularly pleasing or appropriate) · pl trafić w dziesiątkę (be particularly pleasing or appropriate) · fi sopia kuin valettu (be particularly pleasing or appropriate) · fr mettre dans le mille (be particularly pleasing or appropriate) · fi tulla hyvään saumaan (be particularly pleasing or appropriate) · cy taro'r nod (be particularly pleasing or appropriate) · fi tehdä terää (be particularly pleasing or appropriate) · cmn 恰到好处 (be particularly pleasing or appropriate) · fi tehdä poikaa (be particularly pleasing or appropriate) · is vera hreinasta fyrirtak (be particularly pleasing or appropriate)