on point
Word Rarity
Common
Frequency: Zipf frequency 5.52 in modern English
9
Scrabble Score
7
Letters
2
Syllables
5
Unique Chars
Meaning
prep_phrase
Having a direct application to the case or topic under consideration; apposite, relevant.
American usage
prep_phrase
Having taken point; responsible for leading an operation; more generally, deployed and alert.
Example Sentences
- "The last time Madonna was indisputably on point, she had hooked up with French producer Mirwais for Music (2000) and the sensuous possibilities of club culture."
- "We have no decisions in our state directly on point. With us the problem is one of first impression. None of the cases cited is on point."
- "His historical discussions always appear on point, well researched, and indicate a great deal of care."
- "Eitingon raised Jung's idea of substituting a new complex; Freud did not answer on point, but talked at length about transference."
- "The second question of the night was about the shortage of flu vaccine. Bush gave a fine answer, on point."
- "Halo interrupted, “We are all dialed in. Music begins in five minutes. Security is on point. Light show is programmed. Do this for me: roll up the road and grab us some smokes at the convenience store across the street. Here's some cash.”"
Etymology
Possibly from the French en pointe meaning to be on the tip of the toes in ballet and reflects a higher degree of skill. On point also describes a degree of competence and in the military the man on point was at the front and most exposed position in a combat military formation, that is, the leading soldier or unit advancing through hostile or unsecured territory. In recent American youth (especially hip hop) culture, the idiom on point refers either to someone who possesses abundant and various qualities of competence, leadership or style, or to specific acts which demonstrate such qualities.
Usage
- Colloquial
- American usage