| be beside the point |
not to be relevant to the matter being discussed |
I`m sure the chief will like the present. I don`t think he deserves it - but that's beside the point. |
| be on the point of doing something |
to be about to do something |
I was just on the point of picking up the phone to call him when he walked in. |
| come/get to/reach the point |
to come to the most important thing that one wants to say |
That`s all very interesting, but would you get to the point, please? |
| get the/someone`s point |
to understand what someone wants to express; to understand someone's purpose in saying something |
Would you say that again please? I didn`t quite get your point. |
| get/wander off the point |
to become vague; to lose the main argument/direction of the discussion |
He said some interesting facts at first, but later he got off the point completely. |
| have (get) a point |
to have an idea/argument/reason etc. that others accept as true, good etc |
You've got a point there. It really would be better to do look into this case first. |
| in point of fact |
in fact, in reality |
Maybe he told you that he has paid all his debts, but in point of fact he still owes me some money. |
| make one's point |
to state or explain clearly one`s argument or idea |
Ok, you`ve made your point but now it's Tom's turn to tell us what he thinks. |
| make a point of doing something |
to make sure of doing something because one thinks it is important |
I always make a point of remembering my friends' birthdays. |
| not to put too fine a point on it |
speaking openly and bluntly |
Not to put too fine a point on it, I think you should devote more time to company matters. |
| the point of no return |
the point at which it is impossible to turn back because the consequences of doing so would be worse that those of continuing |
We can't reverse our decision now or we'll lose the contract. We reached the point of no return when we offered an unconditional guarantee. |
| see the point (of/in doing something) |
to understand the purpose or use (of something). |
I really don`t see the point of going by train when it's just as cheap to fly. |
| a sore point (with someone) |
a matter which irritates or upsets someone when mentioned |
When Sandra comes, don't mention Chris. He went on holiday on his own and it's a sore point with her. |
| stretch a point |
go beyond what is usual or do more that is usual |
When it came to the salary increase, I had hoped the boss would stretch a point in my favour but he didn`t. I got the same as everyone else. |
| the sticking point |
the absolute limit beyond which one cannot or will not go |
At the auction, don't go higher than five thousand, and remember that seven is the sticking point. |
| one`s strong/weak point |
the thing one can do best, knows most about |
If there's a word you can't spell, ask Tom. Spelling is his strong point. |
| take someone`s point |
to understand and appreciate someone's argument or attitude |
I take your point about not wanting to risk further money on such a doubtful undertaking. |
| that`s the (whole) point |
the essence; the most important thing one is trying to say. |
Yes, that`s the whole point! If you cancel the holiday at short notice, you have to pay 50%. |
| what`s the point? |
there is little use/purpose |
You can speak to the bank manager again, but what's the point? He`s already said that they won`t extend the loan. |
| (what is) more to the point |
(what is) more important or relevant |
Her idea is very good, and, what's more to the point, we can put it into practice without extra cost. |
| short and to the point |
(a speech, order, letter etc.) short, direct and clear, possibly abrupt |
Don`t make the speech too long. Keep it short and to the point. |
| miss the point |
to fail to understand or appreciate something |
He concluded that she had missed the point entirely. |
