pressure point

American  

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.

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pressure point British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of pressure point

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

"All of these are hugely difficult pressure points for human society. And you can't deal with them unless there is international collaboration and cooperation," he says.

From BBC

But they are also strategic pressure points, it says, warning that adversaries could exploit them through sabotage or hybrid warfare, threatening both civilian and military communications.

From BBC

At the same time, required minimum distributions are another pressure point come tax time, and it makes sense that you want to lower the amount you’ll have to take then.

From MarketWatch

“The thing that makes things different this year is that it’s not the only pressure point,” he told MarketWatch.

From MarketWatch

The country’s “rare-earth dominance remains its most visible pressure point in the trade conflict — a weapon that can sting, but not guarantee victory,” said Stephen Innes, managing partner at SPI Asset Management.

From MarketWatch