bull's-eye

[/ˈbʊlzaɪ/]
nounpl: bull's-eyes
centro do alvo
1. The circular center of a target, typically marked as the highest-scoring area
The archer's arrow hit the bull's-eye from fifty meters away.
A flecha do arqueiro acertou o centro do alvo a cinquenta metros de distância.
2. A direct hit or success; the achievement of an intended goal
Her criticism was a bull's-eye - it identified the exact problem.
Sua crítica foi certeira - identificou exatamente o problema.
3. A circular window or opening, especially on a ship
The cabin had a small bull's-eye window facing the sea.
A cabine tinha uma pequena janela redonda voltada para o mar.
4. A round candy or mint
He popped a bull's-eye into his mouth.
Ele colocou um doce redondo na boca.
In American English, 'bull's-eye' is commonly used both in archery/target sports and as a figurative expression meaning to achieve exactly what was intended. In Brazil, the literal meaning 'centro do alvo' is used in sports contexts, while figuratively, expressions like 'na mosca' (literally 'on the fly') or 'certeiro' (accurate/on-target) are preferred in casual speech. The term reflects competitive sports culture in both countries.
NYC Slang
dead-on, nail it, on the money
Synonyms / Sinônimos
targetmarkhitsuccessdirect hitspot-on
Antonyms / Antônimos
missfailureoff-targetinaccuracy

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
centro do alvo
Most common translation; used literally and figuratively
Rio de Janeiro
na mosca
Colloquial expression meaning 'spot on' or 'exactly right'
São Paulo
certeiro
Used as adjective meaning 'accurate' or 'on target'
Portugal
centro do alvo
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; also uses 'acertada' for figurative meaning

Related Words

targetarcheraccuracyprecisionsuccessaim

Related Idioms & Phrases

hit the bull's-eye - acertar em cheio
right on the bull's-eye - exatamente no alvo
a bull's-eye remark - um comentário certeiro
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