win on points

Idioms

Succeed but barely, especially by a technicality. For example, Both sides were forceful in that argument about the embargo, but I think the senator won on points. This term comes from boxing, where in the absence of a knockout the winner is decided on the basis of points awarded for each round. Its figurative use dates from the mid-1900s.

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.

Jonas claimed a unanimous win on points to condemn Canada's Dicaire, 36, to just her second professional defeat.

From BBC • Nov. 12, 2022

Usyk took the belts off Joshua with a win on points last month.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 20, 2021

It’d most likely be a win on points if that is to happen.

From Washington Times • Sep. 23, 2021

Instead, it’s like watching a general election campaign run for a safe seat, a boxer trying to win on points from Round 1, a soccer match that could have been an email.

From Slate • Jun. 23, 2021

We do not profess to be expert, but in any comparison with other animals we imagine that the hedgehog ought to win on points.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 153, July 4, 1917 by Various

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023