point man

American  

noun

1. the lead soldier of an infantry patrol on combat operations.

2. a person who serves in the forefront, as of an economic or political issue.

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point man British  

noun

1. military a soldier who walks at the front of an infantry patrol in combat

2. the leader or spokesperson of a campaign or organization

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Etymology

Origin of point man

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05

Example Sentences

“He’s a tremendous athlete,” said Gasparino, the longtime point man for the Dodgers’ draft operations.

From Los Angeles Times

It was Unguryan, The Family’s point man, who can be seen on the far left in a government photo of the participants.

From Salon

Millions regarded Fauci, with his raspy voice and plainspoken style, as the government’s trusted point man during the heights of the pandemic.

From Seattle Times

Also there was The Family’s point man in Uganda, a key player in that country’s annual prayer breakfast who supports the parliamentary prayer group behind the new death-penalty law.

From Salon

Mr. Araji, who is the Iraqi government’s point man on a number of sensitive issues related to Iran, has a long history of working closely with Tehran and is rarely publicly critical.

From New York Times