# do exactly what it says on the tin

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/do-exactly-what-it-says-on-the-tin
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To do what is described or what one would expect, with no further explanation needed.

## Examples

- This product does exactly what it says on the tin.
- You do not need to worry about hidden features because this software does exactly what it says on the tin.
- The new policy is refreshingly transparent, as it does exactly what it says on the tin without any complicated legal jargon to confuse the employees.

## Origin

From the sense of tin meaning a can, originally the slogan of an HHCL advertising campaign of UK television commercials for Ronseal Quick-Drying Woodseal.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.