to the point
Idioms-
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 .
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Concerning the important or essential issue, as in More to the point, she hasn't any money . This usage is often put as , 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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Priscilla, too, was “absolutely petrified” to the point that she couldn’t carry on a conversation.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 28, 2026
Jefferson’s ideal of self-rule included a belief in state sovereignty, to the point of nullification and beyond.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 26, 2026
Such legal hurdles "risks slowing progress to the point where policing cannot keep pace with the threats we face," Rowley said.
From Barron's • Jun. 24, 2026
Since then, several more events have soured the relationship between the U.S. and its allies to the point where they are scarcely allies at all.
From Salon • Jun. 18, 2026
Though I had thought of various ways to phrase this question, it seemed, in the interests of clarity, most expedient to come to the point.
From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
