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
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
And if these two can push the right buttons, Atlanta could be markedly improved.
—Rob Reischel, Forbes, 2 Sep. 2021
But few managers match Cash's ability to push the right buttons – or his chutzpah to defend the moves that go sideways.
—Gabe Lacques, USA TODAY, 20 Oct. 2020
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
And if these two can push the right buttons, Atlanta could be markedly improved.
—Rob Reischel, Forbes, 2 Sep. 2021
But few managers match Cash's ability to push the right buttons – or his chutzpah to defend the moves that go sideways.
—Gabe Lacques, USA TODAY, 20 Oct. 2020
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'push the right buttons.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 27 Apr. 2024.
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