point out: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘point out’ mean?
"Point out" is an idiom that means to draw attention to or indicate something, often by physically extending a finger or directing someone's gaze towards it. It can also be used figuratively to suggest highlighting or emphasizing a specific fact or detail.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "selling point" refers to a unique or attractive feature of a product, service, or idea that helps to convince people to buy or support it.
Put on the map is an idiom that means to gain recognition or become well-known. It refers to the act of bringing something or someone into public attention, making them more notable or important.
The idiom "put one's finger on" means to identify or pinpoint something. It refers to the action of physically touching or indicating the exact location of something, usually when trying to understand or solve a problem.
The idiom "put forward" means to propose or suggest something for consideration or discussion. It is often used when presenting an idea, argument, or opinion in a formal setting or during a meeting.
The idiom "pull one's finger out" means to start taking action or making an effort after a period of inactivity or procrastination.
"Point up" is an idiom that means to highlight or emphasize something, typically to draw attention to its importance or significance.
The idiom "point the finger at" means to accuse or blame someone for something without any evidence or solid proof. It implies the act of assigning guilt or responsibility to someone without proper justification.
The idiom "point fingers" means to assign blame or accuse others for a problem or situation without taking responsibility oneself.
The idiom "play up" means to emphasize or highlight something, often in order to gain attention or elicit a certain reaction. It can also refer to exaggerating or overplaying a situation or a person's abilities.
The idiom "pin down" means to force someone to make a clear statement or commitment about something, or to accurately determine or locate something.
Decoding Expressions
"point up" is a related idiom that is often used to emphasize or draw attention to something. It is similar to "point out" in that it involves directing someone's focus, but "point up" has a stronger connotation of highlighting or making a specific point more prominent. For example, a teacher might point up the importance of studying for an upcoming exam or a speaker might point up the negative consequences of a particular decision. In both cases, "point up" is used to make a clear and impactful statement.
"point the finger at" is another related idiom that is commonly used in the English language. It means to blame or accuse someone for something, often in a negative or critical manner. This idiom is often used in situations where someone wants to shift the responsibility or blame onto someone else. For example, during a discussion about a failed project, a manager might point the finger at a specific team member for their lack of effort or contribution. In this case, "point the finger at" is used to single out someone as the cause of a problem or failure.
"make a point" is yet another related idiom that is frequently used. It means to express or convey a specific idea, opinion, or argument in a clear and understandable way. When someone makes a point, they are making their position or perspective known and seeking to persuade or inform others. For instance, during a heated debate, one person might make a point about the importance of addressing climate change, while another person makes a counterpoint about economic considerations. In both cases, "make a point" is used to articulate and defend a viewpoint.
The idiom "point out" is a versatile expression that is commonly used in the English language. It can refer to physically drawing attention to something, verbally highlighting or indicating something, expressing disagreement or criticism, or simply bringing something to someone's attention. It is often used in both formal and informal settings, making it a flexible phrase for effective communication. The related idioms "point up," "point the finger at," and "make a point" add additional layers of meaning and connotation to the concept of pointing out. These idioms emphasize the act of highlighting or drawing attention to something, blaming or accusing someone, and expressing or conveying a specific idea. Together, they enrich the English language and its idiomatic expressions.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *point out* can be used in a sentence include:
1. He pointed out the error in the report during the meeting.
2. She quickly pointed out the landmarks to the tourists visiting the city.
3. The teacher pointed out the key points in the lesson to help the students understand better.
More "Communication" idioms
