push the right buttons
idiom
informal
: to do the things that are needed to produce a desired effect or result
The coach knows how to push all the right buttons to get his players ready for the game.
Examples of push the right buttons in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But that is no longer the case — at least not in the short term if the Lakers can push the right buttons.
—
Jovan Buha, The Athletic, 16 Aug. 2024
If the Giants are fortunate enough to keep Sunday’s game close, Daboll needs to push the right buttons to get his first win over the Eagles since taking over the team in Jan. 2022.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 5 Jan. 2024
Specifically with coach Paul Maurice, how did his ability to seemingly push the right buttons with each player help in that?
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 26 May 2024
The pressure will be on Roberts to push the right buttons without a bona fide ace to absorb innings — Kershaw, based on his final eight starts, can’t be counted on for more than five.
—Los Angeles Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2023
Texas has the strongest roster in the Big 12 and could surge back into the national conversation if Sarkisian is able to push the right buttons. 10.
—Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY, 2 May 2023
Surround the superstar talent with role players that aren’t afraid to do the dirty work, replenish the athleticism when your roster gets stale, and allow a forward-thinking coach to push the right buttons.
—Shane Young, Forbes, 17 June 2022
The Bengals defensive coordinator knows how to push the right buttons at halftime.
—Michael Niziolek, cleveland, 18 Dec. 2022
In a series full of little decisions, the Braves seemed to more often push the right buttons and catch the right breaks.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2021
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jovan Buha, The Athletic, 16 Aug. 2024
If the Giants are fortunate enough to keep Sunday’s game close, Daboll needs to push the right buttons to get his first win over the Eagles since taking over the team in Jan. 2022.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 5 Jan. 2024
Specifically with coach Paul Maurice, how did his ability to seemingly push the right buttons with each player help in that?
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 26 May 2024
The pressure will be on Roberts to push the right buttons without a bona fide ace to absorb innings — Kershaw, based on his final eight starts, can’t be counted on for more than five.
—Los Angeles Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2023
Texas has the strongest roster in the Big 12 and could surge back into the national conversation if Sarkisian is able to push the right buttons. 10.
—Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY, 2 May 2023
Surround the superstar talent with role players that aren’t afraid to do the dirty work, replenish the athleticism when your roster gets stale, and allow a forward-thinking coach to push the right buttons.
—Shane Young, Forbes, 17 June 2022
The Bengals defensive coordinator knows how to push the right buttons at halftime.
—Michael Niziolek, cleveland, 18 Dec. 2022
In a series full of little decisions, the Braves seemed to more often push the right buttons and catch the right breaks.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2021
Dictionary Entries Near push the right buttons
Cite this Entry
“Push the right buttons.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/push%20the%20right%20buttons. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share