point toward

point toward (someone or something)

1. To indicate or signify the direction or location of someone or something. We've set up arrows pointing toward the house to help guests who are unfamiliar with the area. If you rest the needle on the surface of water, it will point toward magnetic north.

2. To make a physical signal, especially with one's index finger, to indicate the direction or location of someone or something. Tom pointed toward the trees behind the cabin when Peter asked where the bathroom was. Everyone pointed toward Sarah when the boss asked who had broken the printer.

3. To face the direction of someone or something. We want the back porch to be pointing toward the point on the horizon where the sun sets. You always want the front of your body pointing toward the audience, otherwise they will have trouble hearing you.

4. To move something so that it faces the direction of someone or something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "point" and "toward." He pointed his light toward the window so that she would see it from her bedroom. She pointed the stereo toward the meeting room so we could all hear the outcome of the game.

5. To draw someone's attention toward or inform someone about the direction of someone or something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "point" and "toward." Excuse me, could you please point me toward the train station? He pointed me toward the exit when I asked if they had any job openings.

See also: point, toward

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

point toward someone or something

to direct an extended finger toward someone or something. The teacher pointed toward Laura and asked her to come to the front of the room. Randy pointed toward the door and frowned at the dog.

See also: point, toward

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

point toward

v.

1. To indicate the direction in which something lies: The sign points toward the center of the city.

2. To make a gesture indicating the direction in which something lies: The farmer pointed toward the fields across the road.

3. To be suggestive of the idea that something is a possibility or correct conclusion: The fact that the door wasn't broken points toward the theory that the thief had a key.

4. To cause someone to consider something to be a possibility or correct conclusion: These facts point us toward a new explanation.

See also: point, toward

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.