put too fine a point on something

put too fine a point on something
put too fine a point on something
Fig. to make too much out of something; to dwell overly long on a small detail of a complaint or argument. (Usually with

not

. Formal or stilted.) •

Not to put too fine a point on it, but did you really mean to say that Paul was the former secretary of the organization? Wasn't he the corresponding secretary?

When he said that everyone was angry, he put too fine a point on it.


Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.

Игры ⚽ Нужен реферат?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • not to put too fine a point on it — To speak bluntly • • • Main Entry: ↑point * * * not to put too fine a point on it phrase used before saying something in a very direct way that may seem rude Emily is, not to put too fine a point on it, a liar. Thesaurus: polite words and… …   Useful english dictionary

  • not to put too fine a point on it — (not) to put too fine a point on it something that you say when you are going to say exactly what you mean, even if other people may not like it. Well, not to put too fine a point on it, it s entirely your fault …   New idioms dictionary

  • (to) put too fine a point on it — (not) to put too fine a point on it something that you say when you are going to say exactly what you mean, even if other people may not like it. Well, not to put too fine a point on it, it s entirely your fault …   New idioms dictionary

  • not to put too fine a point on it — used before saying something in a very direct way that may seem rude Emily is, not to put too fine a point on it, a liar …   English dictionary

  • point — point1 W1S1 [pɔınt] n ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 1¦(idea)¦ 2¦(main meaning/idea)¦ 3¦(purpose)¦ 4¦(place)¦ 5¦(in time/development)¦ 6¦(quality/feature)¦ 7¦(games/sport)¦ 8¦(sharp end)¦ 9 boiling point/freezing point/melting point etc …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • fine — fine1 W1S1 [faın] adj ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 1¦(acceptable)¦ 2¦(healthy)¦ 3¦(very good)¦ 4¦(weather)¦ 5¦(narrow)¦ 6¦(delicate)¦ 7¦(small)¦ 8¦(bad)¦ 9¦(speech/words)¦ 10 a fine man/woman etc …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • fine — 1 /faIn/ adjective 1 ALL RIGHT especially spoken a) good enough; all right: “I could make you some dinner if you like.” “It s okay, a sandwich is fine, thanks.” | This apartment is fine for two, but it gets very cramped with your mother here. | I …   Longman dictionary of contemporary English

  • point — 1 /pOInt/ noun 1 IDEA (C) a single fact, idea, or opinion that is part of an argument or discussion: There was one point on which everyone agreed. | She had brought a list of points for discussion. | One important point must be borne in mind. |… …   Longman dictionary of contemporary English

  • fine — fine1 [ faın ] adjective *** 1. ) if something is fine, it is good enough and acceptable to you: Is your room all right? Yes, fine, thanks. Is it okay if we join you later? Yes, that s fine. fine for: I m not very hungry. A sandwich will be fine… …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • fine — I UK [faɪn] / US adjective Word forms fine : adjective fine comparative finer superlative finest *** 1) if something is fine, it is good enough and acceptable to you Is your room all right? Yes, fine, thanks. Is it okay if we join you later? Yes …   English dictionary

  • fine — fine1 [fʌɪn] adjective 1》 of very high quality.     ↘satisfactory.     ↘healthy and feeling well.     ↘(of the weather) bright and clear.     ↘(of speech or writing) sounding impressive but ultimately insincere: fine words.     ↘(of gold or… …   English new terms dictionary

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”