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On Point

Posted by Markitos on July 31, 2001

In Reply to: On Point posted by Bob on July 29, 2001

: : : Anyone have any information on the origin and meaning of the expression On Point?

: : Certain breeds of dog go "on point" when they spot game.

: Aren't ballet dancers "on point" when they are up on their toes? (Do I remember correctly?) And debaters (e.g., politicians on the stump) are said to be on point or off point when they stick to or stray from their carefully-planned message.

In ballet, it's "en pointe." In politics, isn't it "on message?" Are dogs "on point" or are they just pointing? I though "on point" refers to a place in a military patrol--it's the forward position that is most likely to first encounter the enemy....

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