pointe

point (one) in the right direction

1. Literally, to show one the correct route, often by actually pointing in the direction of the desired destination. A: "I think I'm close to Suite 200, but I haven't been able to find it. Can you point me in the right direction?" B: "Sure—walk straight that way and it will be on your left."
2. By extension, to give one advice or information that helps guide them toward a desired outcome or course of action. We're hopeful that our financial planning services can help point people in the right direction when they look to buy their first home. I was at a loss as to how to proceed with the project, but thankfully Janet was able to point me in the right direction.
See also: direction, point, right

point at

1. To extend one's finger, especially the index finger, in the direction of someone or something. The librarian pointed at the sign that said to keep quiet. "There he is! That's the guy who mugged me, officer!" I said, pointing to the man crossing the street.
2. To direct, aim, or indicate at or in the direction of someone or something. We set up signs pointing at the house so no one would get lost on their way to the party. The GPS marker pointed at a rest stop a few miles from where we were.
3. To direct or aim someone or something in the direction of someone or something else. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "point" and "at." Don't point that thing at me—the radiation off those devices causes cancer! I turned her around and pointed her at the rack of books labeled "Computer Sciences." He pointed his rifle at the deer, but he couldn't bring himself to pull the trigger.
4. To indicate some particular outcome, possibility, interpretation, etc. All these signs point at a renewed interest in the market for these sorts of devices. The patterns of the killings point at a single murder who has developed a particular MO.
See also: point

point down to (someone or something)

To direct, aim, or indicate directly downward in the direction of someone or something. You need to put up a sign that points down to your shop or something, because it's impossible to find your place when you walk by! He pointed down to a man on the ground floor when I asked who was in charge of security in the mall.
See also: down, point

point out

1. To bring attention to someone or something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "point" and "out." She always points out my mistakes in front of the boss to make me look bad. Oh, that's interesting. I never would have noticed if you hadn't pointed it out. I'd just like to point out that Regina deserves most of the credit for the design—I just helped her revise it.
2. To identify someone or something within a group or crowd. A noun or pronoun can be used between "point" and "out." The witness came to the police station and pointed the suspect out from a lineup. Just point out which ones you want and I'll wrap them up for you.
See also: out, point

point Percy at the porcelain

slang To urinate. Typically said of a male. Primarily heard in Australia. Be right back, I've gotta go point Percy at the porcelain.
See also: point, porcelain

point the bone at (someone or something)

1. To predict someone's or something's ruin, downfall, or failure. Primarily heard in Australia. For years, tech pundits have been pointing the bone at virtual reality technology, announcing its imminent death or decline. People pointed the bone at him when he presented such wild ideas, but they all proved to be wildly successful.
2. To cast blame or aspersions on someone. Primarily heard in Australia. Instead of simply pointing the bone at anyone who doesn't share your opinion, why not try seeing how you can help others understand your position? It's a bit ironic to hear politicians pointing the bone at these industries, when not five years ago they were in those same companies' pockets.
See also: bone, point

point to (someone or something)

1. To indicate or signify the direction or location of someone or something. We've set up arrows pointing to the house to help guests who are unfamiliar with the area. If you rest the needle on the surface of water, it will point to magnetic north.
2. To make a physical signal, especially with one's index finger, to indicate the direction or location of someone or something. Tom pointed to the trees behind the cabin when Peter asked where the bathroom was. Everyone pointed to Sarah when the boss asked who had broken the printer.
3. To face the direction of someone or something. I love that the back porch points to the setting sun in the evening. You always want the front of your body pointing to the audience, otherwise they will have trouble hearing you.
4. To move something so that it faces the direction of someone or something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "point" and "to." He pointed his light to the window so that she would see it from her bedroom. She pointed the stereo to the meeting room so we could all hear the outcome of the game.
5. To draw someone's attention toward or inform someone about the direction of someone or something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "point" and "to." Excuse me, could you please point me to the train station? He pointed me to the exit when I asked if they had any job openings.
6. To indicate, reveal, suggest, or imply that someone or something is the likely conclusion or answer to some question. After a careful investigation, all signs point to Mr. Walker as the perpetrator of the theft. The unusual angle of this wound points to the second shooter from a higher level.
7. To draw someone's attention toward or inform someone the likely conclusion or answer to some question. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "point" and "to." Several interviews pointed police to the location of the suspect, who had been hiding out in a relative's cabin in the woods.
See also: point

point to (someone or something) as (something)

To indicate, identify, suggest, or imply that someone or something is the likely conclusion or answer to some question. After a careful investigation, all signs point to Mr. Walker as the perpetrator of the theft. All of our research is pointing to this as the next hot thing for the holidays.
See also: point

point toward (someone or something)

1. To indicate or signify the direction or location of someone or something. We've set up arrows pointing toward the house to help guests who are unfamiliar with the area. If you rest the needle on the surface of water, it will point toward magnetic north.
2. To make a physical signal, especially with one's index finger, to indicate the direction or location of someone or something. Tom pointed toward the trees behind the cabin when Peter asked where the bathroom was. Everyone pointed toward Sarah when the boss asked who had broken the printer.
3. To face the direction of someone or something. We want the back porch to be pointing toward the point on the horizon where the sun sets. You always want the front of your body pointing toward the audience, otherwise they will have trouble hearing you.
4. To move something so that it faces the direction of someone or something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "point" and "toward." He pointed his light toward the window so that she would see it from her bedroom. She pointed the stereo toward the meeting room so we could all hear the outcome of the game.
5. To draw someone's attention toward or inform someone about the direction of someone or something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "point" and "toward." Excuse me, could you please point me toward the train station? He pointed me toward the exit when I asked if they had any job openings.
See also: point, toward

point up

To identify, draw attention to, and emphasize something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "point" and "up." I'm not causing the problems, I'm just pointing them up. The senator pointed up the various difficulties of trying to get such legislation through congress.
See also: point, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

point at someone or something

 
1. [for someone] to direct an extended finger at someone or something; to point one's finger at someone or something. You should not point at people. Harry pointed at the mess Jerry had made and scowled.
2. [for something] to aim at someone or something. The gun pointed directly at him. He was frightened. The sign pointed at a small roadside cafe, populated by truck drivers.
See also: point

point someone or something out

to select or indicate someone or something (from a group). Everyone pointed the error out. She pointed out the boy who took her purse.
See also: out, point

point something at someone or something

to aim or direct something at someone or something. Don't ever point a gun at anyone! Point the rifle at the target and putt the trigger.
See also: point

point something up

 
1. Fig. to emphasize something; to emphasize one aspect of something. This is a very important thing to learn. Let me point it up one more time by drawing this diagram on the board. This points up what I've been telling you.
2. Fig. to tuck-point something; to repair the joints in masonry. I hired someone to point the chimney up. Carl pointed up the brick wall.
See also: point, up
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

point out

Identify or bring to notice, as in He pointed out the oldest buildings in the city, or She pointed out an error in our reasoning. [Late 1400s]
See also: out, point

point up

Emphasize, draw attention to, as in Her comments point up the need for more security at the store. [First half of 1900s]
See also: point, up
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

point out

v.
To bring something to the attention of others; indicate something: No one likes him because he always points out everyone's mistakes. As we drove by her old house, she pointed it out to me.
See also: out, point
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • close to the mark
  • along the right lines
  • be close to the mark
  • be close to/near the mark
  • under control
  • You can’t win them all
  • you can't win 'em all
  • you can't win them all
  • can’t win em all
  • can't win them all
References in periodicals archive
Beacon Pointe is headquartered in Newport Beach, California, with office locations and clients located nationally.
The combination of sources provided information regarding injury incidence and prevention, dance screening and assessment tools, factors relevant to the commencement of pointe training, and currently used pre-pointe training programs and tools.
On its website , Nakheel said people who buy tickets for the concert can attend an after-party at The Pointe, which will feature special dining and entertainment options.
With only a few units left, there's no better time than now to acquire and invest in a condo unit at Pioneer Pointe. What's more, it has a limited offer of a low downpayment rate of only 2.5 percent until June 30.
The Pointe at Palm Jumeirah by Nakheel is another outstanding location, where we will bring another innovative cinema experience that will delight all."
Interested buyers should contact the Compass Pointe Sales Office for lot offerings and pricing at 8178 Compass Pointe East Wynd NE, Leland, NC 28451.
"We are pleased to have secured favorable debt for the Hudson Capital Properties' acquisition of three quality apartment assets in the Greensboro and High Pointe, North Carolina markets," continued Didio.
PCM had entered into an agreement to acquire the assets of En Pointe's IT solutions provider business, excluding current tangible assets, such as accounts receivable and inventory.
The joint acquisition of Lake Pointe III and IV adds substantially to our US fund's portfolio.
"This is a wonderful time for Clarity Pointe Little Rock," said Debbee Tyler, executive director at Clarity Pointe Little Rock.
Visit loveholidays.com FAMILY FRIENDLY IDEALLY located on International Drive, three star Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando is in the perfect position to access all the main attractions of Orlando.
VIRGIN Holidays Cruises (0844 488 3084) offers three nights' room-only at Rosen Inn, Pointe Orlando, and seven nights on RCCl Freedom of the Seas - pictured - ex-Port Canaveral to Labadee, Falmouth, George Town and Cozumel from PS1,299, incl return Virgin Atlantic flights ex-Gatwick Sept 26 and transfers.
"The Pointe Book: Shoes, Training, Technique" is the third edition that fully explores the dance, focusing on the pointe, and the shoes designed for assisting dancers in striking the pose with more technique and effect.
Hilton Hotels and Resorts, a subsidiary of the Blackstone Group (NYSE: BX) and a US-based hospitality company, has announced a Suite Summer Fun package from Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort, and Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort, in Phoenix, Arizona, US.
2197-032NB Port De Peche Lauricisque, Pointe A Pitre