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on point

prep_phrase

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.

  1. derived from en pointe meaning to be on the tip of the toes in ballet and reflects a higher degree of skill

Definitions

  1. Excellent

    Excellent; bold; performing well.

    • 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.

  2. Having a direct application to the case or topic under consideration

    Having a direct application to the case or topic under consideration; apposite, relevant.

    • 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.

  3. On the tips of the toes

    On the tips of the toes; en pointe.

  4. ›+ 1 more definition

    1. Having taken point

      Having taken point; responsible for leading an operation; more generally, deployed and alert.

      • 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.”

The neighborhood

Vish — recursive loop

No curated loop yet for on point. Loops are being traced one word at a time while the ingestion pipeline matures.

sense glosses and etymology drawn from English Wiktionary · source · CC-BY-SA