on point

Meanings

1. Excellent; bold; performing well.
2. Having a direct application to the case or topic under consideration; apposite, relevant.
3. On the tips of the toes; en pointe.
4. Having taken point; responsible for leading an operation; more generally, deployed and alert.

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.

Translations