To a t

You might come across the phrase “to a t” (or, perhaps “to a tee”). It means “exactly” or “perfectly”.

One common use is in the expression “suits … to tee”.

If your friend’s dress fits well and looks good on her, you might say:

• That dress suits you to a t.

If you particularly like your new job, you might say:

• I’ve started a new job; it suits me to a tee.

If you are arranging to meet your friend and suggest a time that is very convenient for you, you might say:

• If we arrange to meet at 8 o’clock, that would suit me to a t.

There are other ways of using the expression. For example, if someone has drawn a very accurate picture of your teacher, you could say:

• You’ve got her to a t.

You could say the same thing if he imitates the way your teacher walks or talks!

If something happens the way you wanted it to happen, you could say:

• The plan worked to a t.

In each case we’re saying that something is perfect – or, at least, very good. The dress, the job, the arrangements, the drawing, the imitation, the plan all meet with your approval.

I hope this explanation meets with your approval and that you think I’ve got it to a t.

^{Posted by Graham}

^{Thanks to Yulia for the question.}