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

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

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

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