smack dab - Definition & Meaning

exactly in a place, especially the middleexactly in a place, especially the middle

The origin of the idiom "smack dab" is somewhat uncertain, but it is believed to be of American origin. It likely emerged in the United States, particularly in the American Midwest, in the 20th century. The phrase combines the words "smack" and "dab" to emphasize the precision and centrality of the location or placement of something. "Smack" in this context means "directly" or "squarely," and "dab" refers to a small, precise amount or touch. When used together, this expression is used to describe something that is positioned or located directly in the middle or at a precise point, often with an emphasis on the unexpected or noticeable placement.The origin of the idiom "smack dab" is somewhat uncertain, but it is believed to be of American origin. It likely emerged in the United States, particularly in the American Midwest, in the 20th century. The phrase combines the words "smack" and "dab" to emphasize the precision and centrality of the location or placement of something. "Smack" in this context means "directly" or "squarely," and "dab" refers to a small, precise amount or touch. When used together, this expression is used to describe something that is positioned or located directly in the middle or at a precise point, often with an emphasis on the unexpected or noticeable placement.

例句

The car hit the pothole and the tire blew out, leaving us smack dab in the middle of the road.
汽车撞到了坑洼，轮胎爆了，把我们正好留在了路中间。
She placed the cake on the table smack dab in the center for everyone to admire.
她把蛋糕放在桌子上正中央，让每个人都能欣赏。
I found the missing key on the floor, smack dab in the middle of the living room.
我在地板上找到了丢失的钥匙，正好在客厅的中间。