miss the point

Idioms  

1. Overlook or fail to understand the essential or important part of something, as in Chris missed the point of Gwen's complaint, thinking she was opposed to the date of the next meeting. This expression employs point in the sense of “the salient portion,” a usage dating from the late 1300s.

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Example Sentences

Both statements can be technically accurate and still miss the point.

From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026

But while many say it is all just a show, they really miss the point.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2025

So, questions about whether too much is expected of him miss the point - he and Ferrari expect that of themselves.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2025

Its many female characters — so many, good, bad and mostly in between — not only demonstrate power, but, so you don’t miss the point, talk about it.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 17, 2024

“Way to miss the point, Bry,” Lexie said, and fished her jeans up from the floor.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng

Related Words

• confuse
• miscalculate
• misconstrue
• misinterpret
• misjudge
• misread