point (redirected from pointed the finger)

at point-blank range

if someone is shot at point-blank range, they are shot from a very short distance away. The killers walked into the bar and shot him at point-blank range.

be beside the point

to be in no way connected to the subject that is being discussed. Ian's a nice guy but that's beside the point. He doesn't have the right experience for the job.

See also: beside

be someone's strong point/suit

if an ability or quality is your strong suit, you have a lot of it. It has to be said, logic isn't Katherine's strong point. (usually negative) Charm is not his strong suit but at least he knows it.

See also: strong, suit

a case in point

an example which shows that what you are saying is true or helps to explain why you are saying it. Lack of communication causes relationships to fail. Your parents' marriage is a case in point.

See also: case

earn/get brownie points (informal)

to get praise or approval for something you have done. I thought I might get some brownie points by helping to organize the party.

See also: earn

It's no good/use crying over spilt milk.

something that you say which means you should not get upset about something bad that has happened that you cannot change. Sometimes I regret not taking that job in London. Oh well, there's no point crying over spilt milk.

See also: crying, good, it's, milk, over, use

miss the point

to fail to understand what is important about something. I think you've missed the point. It's not the money that's the problem, it's the fact that she's not consulting him when she spends it.

See also: miss

point blank

1. if you refuse point blank, you refuse completely and will not change your decision. He locked himself in the bathroom and refused point blank to come out.

2. if you ask or tell someone point blank about something that could upset or embarrass them, you ask or tell them directly. You'll have to ask him point blank whether he took the money or not.

See also: blank

the point of no return

the time in an activity when you cannot stop doing it but must continue to the end. And although I was bored, I'd already spent so much time doing the research for the novel that I felt I'd reached the point of no return.

See also: return

point the finger at someone

to accuse someone of being responsible for something that has happened. Critics were quick to point the finger at the board of directors when the theatre started losing money.

See also: finger

point the way

to show what can or should be done in the future. Their recent work on developing an AIDS vaccine points the way forward. Her speeches pointed the way to several important social reforms. (often + to)

See also: way

point-blank

point blank - if you refuse point blank, you refuse completely and will not change your decision. Journalists were infuriated by her point-blank refusal to discuss their divorce. (always before noun)

reach boiling point

if a situation or an emotion reaches boiling point, it becomes impossible to control because the emotions involved are so strong. Public anger reached boiling point when troops were called in to control protesters.

See also: reach

a sore point/spot

a subject which someone would prefer not to talk about because it makes them angry or embarrassed. I tried not to make any reference to Mike's drinking habits - I know it's a sore point with Kay at the moment. (often + with)

See also: sore, spot

a sticking point

a subject that people who are involved in a discussion cannot agree about. The role of the army was the main sticking point at Thursday's abortive talks. Pay has been a major sticking point in negotiations.

See also: stick

not to put too fine a point on it

something that you say when you are going to say exactly what you mean, even if other people may not like it. Well, not to put too fine a point on it, it's entirely your fault.

See also: fine

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at the point of something

just before something is going to happen. I was so depressed I thought I was at the point of committing suicide. They were clearly at the point of saying, “Look, enough's enough.”

beside the point

not important. I can't think of anything that he and I agree on, but that's beside the point.

See also: beside

(a) case in point

one example of this. Elliott is one of the best rappers around, and her new album is a case in point. Boston is such an unpredictable team — their victory over Indiana yesterday is a case in point.

See also: case

a case in point

(a) case in point

See also: case

in point of factSee at: in (point of) fact

See also: fact

make a point of doing something

to be certain to do something that you think is important. She makes a point of sending thank-you notes.

miss the point

to fail to understand what is important about something. In case anyone missed the point of its weapons tests, the military practiced an island invasion the next month.

See also: miss

not to put too fine a point on it

to mean exactly what is said. Her performance, not to put too fine a point on it, was terrible.

See also: fine

point out something

to show or talk about something so others will notice it. Angela pointed out some spelling errors in my paper. Researchers point out that fish contain a type of fat that is good for you. We didn't notice the spout of a whale until another passenger on the ship pointed it out.

point the finger at someone

to blame someone. Critics were quick to point the finger at the directors when the theater started losing money.

See also: finger

point the waySee at: along the way

See also: way

point the way (to something)

to be among the first to show how something can be done. This research points the way to more effective treatment.

See also: way

point up something

to show something or make something clearer. The report points up the need for better public transportation. There are a lot of problems in society, and the trial is going to point that up.

score points

to do something that will make people like you. I don't think you'll score any points with your clients if you don't return their calls. Some reporters are so unpopular that politicians can score points by attacking them.

See also: score

to the point

involving the most important idea. Her answer was short and to the point.

beside the point