to the point

1. Relevant, concerning the matter at hand, as in Her remarks were brief and to the point , or He rambled on and on, never speaking to the point . [Early 1800s] For an antonym, see beside the point .

2. Concerning the important or essential issue, as in More to the point, she hasn't any money . This usage is often put as come or get to the point , meaning “address the important issue.” For example, Please come to the point; we haven't much time , or Do you suppose he'll ever get to the point of all this? [Late 1300s]

Example Sentences

The straight-to-the-point question was an admission of defeat.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• admissible
• applicable
• compatible
• consistent
• germane
• important
• pertinent
• proper
• related
• significant
• suitable
• suited