“Point”是个实质名词,甚易感受;与它连用的惯用语也令人有深切的体会。
(1)Beside the point:与所讨论的问题无关。
“We are now discussing the staff development, so your question about international relationships is beside the point.”
(2)On the point of……:就要做……
“Yesterday, when I was on the point of going out, an old friend came to see me.”
(3)A case in point: 一个恰当的例子。
“Not many people would like to invest in the same enterprise. Mr Brown is a case in point; he has different businesses.”
(4)Get to the point:谈到问题要点。
“All the jokes are interesting, but isn't it time to get to the point?”
(5)Get/take someone's point:了解某人的意思。
“What did you say just now? I didn't quite get your point.”
(6)Get/Wander off the point:离开主题。
“James spoke quite well at first, but later, he wandered off the point.”
(7)Have a point: 有可取之处。
Globalisation? You have a point there. From now on, we have to focus on human relationships.“
(8)Make one's point:表达了意思。
“David, you have made your point well. How about Shirley? Can you tell us what you think about her?”
(9)Make a point of……:确定要……
“I often make a point of completing the day's work without undue procrastination.”
(10)Reach the point of no return:不可走回头路;不可反悔。
“The TV company has offered Lisa an unconditional 5-year contract. It has reached the point of no return and cannot change its decision.”
(11)A sore point with……:令人讨厌的事。
“Sally's boy friend, Samuel, went to dinner without inviting her. This is a sore point with her and whenever she thinks of this, she becomes unhappy.”
(12)The sticking point:(谈判、讨论时)不易达致协议之点。
“How the boundary is to be drawn seems to be the sticking point in the peace talk between the two neighbouring countries.”
(13)That's the (whole)point:那就是问题的惩结了。
“- If I cancel the trip, will the deposit be forfeited? -yes! That's the whole point; no one can cancel the trip at short notice.”
(14)Stretch a point:破例作出让步。
“When it came to special allowance, the manager stretched a point in Jason's favour.”
(15)The/A vantage point:优越的地位。
From the vantage point on the raised platform, one can see the military parade very clearly./why don't you stand on a vantage point to have a far-sighted view?(站得高,看得远。)