1570s, said to be from point (v.) + blank (n.), here meaning the white center of a target. The notion would be of standing close enough to aim (point) at the blank without allowance for curve, windage, or gravity. But early references make no mention of a white target, and the phrase is possibly from a simplification of the French phrase de pointe en blanc, used in French gunnery in reference to firing a piece on the level into open space to test how far it will carry. In that case the blank represents "empty space" or perhaps the "zero point" of elevation. The whole phrase might be a French loan-translation from Italian. From 1590s as an adjective in English.
双语例句
1. The turning point in the process of growing up is when you discover the core of strength within you that survives all hurt.
当你从内心深处找到一种可以忍受一切痛苦的坚强力量时，你的成长历程就会出现飞跃。
来自金山词霸 每日一句
2. I don't see the point in it really. It's just stupid.
我真的不理解这到底有什么意义，简直是愚蠢透顶。
来自柯林斯例句
3. It got to the point where he had to leave.
到了他不得不走的地步。
来自柯林斯例句
4. By 1973, this gap had narrowed almost to vanishing point.
到1973年，这一差距已缩小到几乎为零。
来自柯林斯例句
5. A point of order was raised in parliament by Mr Ben Morris.
