mot juste
phrase · Collocation / phrase C2
Plain meaning
the exactly right word or phrase for what you mean
Exam-register meaning
In formal or high-level texts, it is used to describe the exactly right word or phrase for what you mean, often with a precise or specialised tone.
In context
naturalThe discussion gave us a useful example of mot juste.
examPolicy makers must consider mot juste when evaluating long-term social and economic outcomes.
Common collocations
mot justea clear example of mot justeuse mot juste appropriately
Watch out
Do not change the key word order in “mot juste”; collocations sound natural because the words travel together.