pressure point

noun

1. a point on the skin that is extremely sensitive to pressure because of the presence of pressure-sensing organs.
2. a point on the body where relatively slight pressure serves to press an artery lying close to the surface against underlying bony tissue, so as to arrest the flow of blood into a part.
3. a sensitive, crucial area or issue against which concerted persuasion or pressure tactics can be wielded to produce a desired result:

   Lobbyists attempt to find the pressure points of government.

pressure point

noun

1. any of several points on the body above an artery that, when firmly pressed, will control bleeding from the artery at a point farther away from the heart

Word History and Origins

Origin of pressure point¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Once England halted the Springboks maul at Twickenham in the autumn of 2018, Erasmus called for change at the set-piece after he felt his side lacked a pressure point against opposition.

From BBC

But that’s not the only pressure point between Trump and transatlantic partners.

From Los Angeles Times

She had a development deal at HBO when the existential pressure points of her professional and personal lives became linked.

From Los Angeles Times

“Our independent grocers, already operating on extremely thin margins, are hurting from the same inflationary pressure points as their customers,” NGA president and CEO Greg Ferrara said.

From Salon

"But going to Barcelona, Austria, Silverstone, they are three pretty hardcore tracks, so a bit of a pressure point, and eventually my rib broke up. It’s all good now."

From BBC