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On point
Definitions
- 1 Excellent; bold; performing well. colloquial
"The last time Madonna was indisputably on point, she had hooked up with French producer Mirwais for Music (2000) and the sensuous possibilities of club culture."
- 2 Having a direct application to the case or topic under consideration; apposite, relevant. US
"We have no decisions in our state directly on point. With us the problem is one of first impression. None of the cases cited is on point."
- 3 On the tips of the toes; en pointe.
- 4 Having taken point; responsible for leading an operation; more generally, deployed and alert.
"Halo interrupted, “We are all dialed in. Music begins in five minutes. Security is on point. Light show is programmed. Do this for me: roll up the road and grab us some smokes at the convenience store across the street. Here's some cash.”"
Etymology
Possibly from the French en pointe meaning to be on the tip of the toes in ballet and reflects a higher degree of skill. On point also describes a degree of competence and in the military the man on point was at the front and most exposed position in a combat military formation, that is, the leading soldier or unit advancing through hostile or unsecured territory. In recent American youth (especially hip hop) culture, the idiom on point refers either to someone who possesses abundant and various qualities of competence, leadership or style, or to specific acts which demonstrate such qualities.
See also for "on point"
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Unscramble this word: onpoint