dot (redirected from dotal)

*on the dot

Fig. at exactly the right time. (*Typically: be somewhere ~; arrive (somewhere) ~; get somewhere ~; see someone ~; show up ~.) I'll be there at noon on the dot. I expect to see you here at eight o'clock on the dot.

sign on the dotted line 

1. Lit. to indicate one's agreement or assent by placing one's signature on a special line provided for that purpose. (The line may be solid or dotted.) I agreed to the contract, but I haven't signed on the dotted line yet. When you have signed on the dotted line, please give me a call.

2. Fig. to indicate one's agreement to something. Okay. I agree to your terms. I'll sign on the dotted line. He is thinking favorably about going with us to Canada, but he hasn't signed on the bottom line.

See also: line, sign

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dot the/your i's and cross the/your t's  (informal)

to do something very carefully and in a lot of detail She writes highly accurate reports - she always dots her i's and crosses her t's.

See also: and, cross

from/since the year dot  (British & Australian) also from/since the year one (American)

for a very long time Children have been fascinated by ghost stories since the year dot.

See the seven year itch

See also: year

on the dot

if something happens at a particular time on the dot, it happens at exactly that time Shops in this part of the city shut at 5.30 pm on the dot. (sometimes + of ) The first customers arrived on the dot of 9 am.

sign on the dotted line

to formally agree to something by signing a legal document According to promoter Andrew James, the band has signed on the dotted line and will be playing at the Coliseum on November 2, 3 and 4.

See also: line, sign

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connect the dots

to understand the relationship between different ideas or experiences It took years of hard work to connect the dots between the murder and the suspect.

Etymology: from a children's activity in which a picture can be seen when you draw lines to connect numbered dots (small, round marks)

See also: connect

on the dot (spoken)

exactly You've got to be here at 9 on the dot or we won't make the train.

Usage notes: used mainly of time and in the form of the example

sign on the dotted line

to formally agree to something We signed on the dotted line Wednesday and will move into our new house next week.

Etymology: from the lines on a legal document where a person signs their name to show they agree to it

See also: line, sign