Be beside the point
- not be relevant to the matter being discussed
I`m sure Helen will like the present. I don`t think she deserves it - but then, that`s beside the point.
Be on the point of doing something
- be about to do something
I was just on the point of picking up the phone to ring him when he walked in.
Come/get to/reach the point
- come to the most important thing that one wants to say
That`s all very interesting, I`m sure, but I do wish he`d get to the point.
Get the/someone`s point
- understand what someone wishes to express; 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
- become vague; lose the main argument/direction of the discussion
Chris said some interesting facts at first, but later he got off the point completely.
Have (get) a point
- 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 the easy bits first and leave the difficult bits until last.
In point of fact
- in fact, in reality
Morris may have told you that he has paid all his debts, but in point of fact he still owes me four hundred pounds.
Make one`s point
- state or explain clearly one`s argument or idea
All right, you`ve made your point. Now it`s Mark`s turn to tell us what he thinks.
Make a point of doing something
- 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, we think it`s time you stopped being preoccupied with private problems and devoted 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)
- 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 ten thousand if you can avoid it, and remember that eleven is the sticking point.
One`s strong/weak point
- the thing one can do best, knows most about, one`s best quality, something one cannot do we
If there`s a word you can`t spell, ask Tom. Spelling is his strong point.
Take someone`s point
- 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
- fail to understand or appreciate something
He concluded that she had missed the point entirely.