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Reader question: Please explain “sweet spot” in this sentence: Brad Pitt aims for his sweet spot again, a heist comedy. My comments: It means Brad Pitt, the Hollywood star, will be playing his favorite role again – a take-the-money-and-run man in a new comedy. “Sweet spot” is American slang for the position one thrives in, or the situation where you are most comfortable with. Originally a baseball term, the “sweet spot” refers to the part of the bat where the player is supposed to hit the ball with – in order to be most effective. In other words, if he hits the sweet spot, he’s hit it right. It means his timing is perfect, and he’s hit the ball spot on and with full strength, too, sending the ball high and long – preferably into the stands for a home run! Hence, figuratively, the sweet spot refers to any situation you’re most happy, comfortable and successful with, be it your current good job or joblessness (which latter is even more enviable because it gives you loads of free time). In the example from the top, Pitt aiming “for his sweet spot again” suggests that Pitt has so far performed best in hit-and-run movies (no argument there) and will be trying to land another similar role in his next movie, a heist comedy. In short, prepare for another palm-sweating thriller by Pitt and hopefully get a few good laughs too. Personally, though, I’m not convinced of Pitt in a comedy role – not yet at least. | 
