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February 2, 2007
On the Nose
Can someone tell me the various meanings of the term "on the nose"? I knew it could mean "precisely" (eg "we won $20 on the nose"), but I've now seen it used in a few other contexts where that definition makes no sense. Here is an example from the Frasier episode "Taking Liberties", in which Frasier has a butler named Ferguson (with thanks from the Frasier Transcripts:
Frasier opens the newspaper.
Frasier: Dear God!
Martin: What's wrong?
Frasier: That politicking Alan Murchie has just been elected president of the opera board!
Martin: Yeah, I'll never forget where I was when I heard the news.
Frasier: This pinhead is president, I can't even get on the board!
Ferguson: And what will you be sending to congratulate Mr. Murchie, sir?
Frasier: Curses and epithets is all he'll get from me!
Ferguson: Quite right. However, a well-chosen gift might draw the eye of Mr. Murchie as he considers a replacement for his now- vacant seat on the board.
Martin gives Frasier a "not bad" look.
Frasier: Well, if it'll make you happy, Ferguson, let's send him a bottle of Chateau Belle Veux.
Ferguson: If I may, sir, I'm overheard Mr. Murchie speak fondly of the family villa in Umbria. He may consider a wine from that region especially thoughtful.
Martin gives Frasier another look.
Frasier: It's a little on the nose, but fine.
In this setting, does on the nose mean, perhaps, "a bit too obvious", "lacking subtlety", etc.?
Posted by dag at February 2, 2007 10:57 PM