off the point

The phrase off the point is often used in English, but what does this idiom mean? When idioms are used in the right situations, they strengthen communication and enrich the language. You can communicate more effectively by learning the meaning of off the point.

Meaning of "off the point"

Meaning

The phrase “off the point” is an idiom used to indicate that something is irrelevant and not related to the topic at hand. It is used to criticize someone for straying away from the discussion topic. Therefore, when someone is “off the point,” they are not discussing the relevant issues.

Etymology

The phrase “off the point” has its origins in the late 17th century and is derived from the Latin term “punctum” or “point.” In its literal form, the phrase meant “a point removed or taken away.” Later, it was used metaphorically to refer to an argument or discussion that strayed from its original purpose. The phrase was widely used by the beginning of the 19th century, with the earliest written record of the phrase being found in 1823.

Usage

The phrase “off the point” is used to indicate that someone is straying away from the relevant topic during a discussion or argument. This phrase is used in informal settings, and is most often used when people want to express their disapproval of the direction of the conversation. It is also often used to redirect the conversation back to the original discussion topic.

Example Sentences

• “Can we please stay on topic? We’re getting off the point here.”
• “I think you’re getting off the point. Let’s get back to the issue at hand.”
• “I understand what you’re trying to say, but it’s a bit off the point.”
• “You’re getting off the point here. Can we please stay focused on what we’re discussing?”

The power of idioms transcends languages!

"Putting the cart before the horse" is an English idiom that means doing things in the wrong order. In Russian, the similar idiom is "Кладёт колесо впереди лошади," which translates to "Putting the cart before the horse." This idiom emphasizes the idea that doing things in the wrong order can lead to confusion and problems down the line.