press/push the right button(s)

Related to word: right

Idiom

Definition

  1. To take the actions necessary to achieve a desired outcome, often by understanding what motivates or influences a person or situation.

    • To convince the boss to support this project, you have to know how to press the right buttons.

    • The negotiation expert always knows how to push the right buttons to reach an agreement.

    • To motivate team members, a leader must clearly know how to press the right buttons to inspire them.