X marks the spot
One will find what one is looking for under an obvious sign for it.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Look at the map, X marks the spot.”
“The treasure hunter pointed to the map and said that X marks the spot.”
“After years of searching through ancient archives, he finally found the document where X marks the spot of the hidden vault.”
From the traditional crosslike mark used on maps to indicate the location of buried treasure. The phrase preserves the cartographic convention of using a cross as a precise coordinate for a concealed object.
- 01
full marks
Complete approval or agreement.
- 02
hit the spot
To be particularly pleasing or appropriate; to be just right.
- 03
soft spot
A sentimental fondness or affection.
- 04
spot check
A cursory inspection or examination, especially of a sample of something.
- 05
spot of bother
A slight problem; a small predicament.
- 06
tight spot
A difficult position.
Last updated August 10, 2026