ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hit the spot

idiom
Meaning

To be particularly pleasing or appropriate; to be just right.


Origin

disputed origin

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.

Examples
SIMPLE

That cold drink really hit the spot.

CONTEXTUAL

After walking for hours in the heat, the iced coffee hit the spot perfectly.

COMPLEX

The quiet jazz bar, with its worn leather seats and soft amber light, hit the spot for a weary traveler seeking refuge from the city's chaos.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    don't let the door hit you on the way out

    Used as a command to leave in haste, or to indicate that one is glad, or at least unmoved, to see the addressed person leaving.

  2. 02

    fall out of the ugly tree and hit every branch

    To become extremely unattractive.

  3. 03

    hit a lick

    To earn a large sum of money in a short amount of time, usually illegally.

  4. 04

    hit a snag

    To encounter an unexpected problem or delay.

  5. 05

    hit a wall

    To come up against an insurmountable problem.

  6. 06

    hit above one's weight

    Alternative form of punch above one's weight.

  7. 07

    hit and run

    Sexual intercourse followed by a prompt departure; a one-night stand.

  8. 08

    hit below one's weight

    Alternative form of punch below one's weight.

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