idioms using “button”

Buttoned-down

Proper, well presented, professional

“Moriyama-san should represent the company at the conference; he’ll give a buttoned-down presentation.” Note: The phrase comes from a “buttoned-down” collar on a dress shirt.

Push one’s buttons

To get a reaction from someone (negative connotation)

“Kakinuma-san really knows how to push my buttons; it’s better if I just avoid him.”

A hot button issue

A very sensitive or controversial issue

“Having a company-provided daycare center for working mothers in the building is a real hot button issue right now.”

Right on the button

Exactly correct

“The automaker’s decision to introduce cars that appealed to women drivers was right on the button.”

Push all the right buttons

To make a positive impression (positive connotation)

“Sakamoto-san said though it took 50 years, but she found a man that pushed all the right buttons.”