someone or something is exactly as they seem
no hidden agenda or aim
the item works as per the instructions
someone or something does what they are supposed to do
This medicine does exactly what it says on the tin, because I feel so much better.
Have you tried the new wood paint from Ronseal? It does exactly what it says on the tin.
The guy did exactly what it said on the tin. He was the right man for the job.
There is no origin for this idiom
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definition
Common phrase that has a specific meaning.