English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Smack dab
Meaning
The idiom "smack dab" is used to describe something that is right in the middle, exactly or precisely located. It refers to a place or position where something is directly centered or at the center of attention.
Usage
- The new building was smack dab in the center of the city.
- He placed his keys smack dab on the kitchen counter.
- She sat smack dab in front of me during the presentation.
- The TV was smack dab in the middle of the room.
- The new restaurant is located right in the heart of downtown, smack dab in the middle of all the action. The usage of "smack dab" can vary depending on the context. It can be used to describe a physical location or a position in the sense of being directly centered.
Roots and History
The idiom "smack dab" dates back to the 19th century, according to the Oxford English Dictionary. It is believed to have originated from the phrase "smack in the middle," which means exactly or precisely. The word "dab" was added later as a shortening of "in the middle." Over time, the idiom has become more commonly used and its figurative meaning has expanded to include a sense of being directly centered or at the center of attention.
Synonyms in English
- Right smack in the middle
- Directly in the center
- Right in front of me
- In the heart of it all
- Exactly centered
Synonyms in other languages
- Au milieu (French) - This French phrase means "in the middle" and is commonly used to describe a physical location or position.
- In den Mittelpunkt (German) - This German phrase translates to "in the center" and is also commonly used to describe a physical location or position.
- 中央 (Chinese) - This Chinese phrase translates to "center" and is commonly used to describe a physical location or position.
- central (Latin) - This Latin word means "central" or "in the middle" and is commonly used in scientific and academic contexts.
- centro (Italian) - This Italian word translates to "center" and is commonly used in scientific and academic contexts.