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
Hammon knows how to push the right buttons on the court with her team.
—
Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
That foundation was added to by coach Ken Klee, who ran last year’s draft while continuing to push the right buttons behind the bench.
—Dean Spiros, Twin Cities, 28 May 2025
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
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
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
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
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Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
That foundation was added to by coach Ken Klee, who ran last year’s draft while continuing to push the right buttons behind the bench.
—Dean Spiros, Twin Cities, 28 May 2025
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
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
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
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
Cite this Entry
“Push the right buttons.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/push%20the%20right%20buttons. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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