Chiangmai
4 Answers
Bob/PKB
Best answer!
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I don't know if that is what you are looking for, but I can picture this completely.
:
A relevant point/idea made in a debate or argument is said to be 'on the mark", "hit the nail on the head", "BULL'S EYE!" or other expression to indicate the point was "right on target".
If you think of a dart board the bull's eye is the main target, but points are given for hitting "beside the point". In a debate or argument, a point made that is not directly related to the bull's eye of the debate or argument, would be considered "beside the point".....there is value in what has been said, but it is not a bull's eye.
| 12 years ago. Rating: 3 | |
Chiangmai
Answer:
The saying "beside the point" is from ancient archery and literally means your shot is wide of the target. Its figurative meaning, that your argument is irrelevant, entered the language on or about 1352, as did "You've missed the mark." Both suggest that regardless of your intentions, your invalid statement is outside the subject under discussion.
For this, I salute Bob/PKB for being "on the mark". Cheers, Phyllis.
| 12 years ago. Rating: 4 | |
Colleen
Because it has nothing to do with the point of the argument so it is verbally pushed aside. It could be an extension of the point that takes the argument off topic. Beside the point, not with the point.
| 12 years ago. Rating: 1 | |
My question is: how did the expression originally come about?
daren1
