The phrase "gets off the point" is commonly used to describe a situation where someone has veered off topic in a conversation. The spelling of this phrase can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA): /ɡɛts ɒf ðə pɔɪnt/. The first sound is a voiced velar stop, followed by a short "e" vowel and the voiceless alveolar fricative "s". The next word begins with a short "o" vowel, followed by the voiceless labiodental fricative "f". Finally, the phrase ends with the definite article "the" pronounced as ðə, and the word "point" with a diphthong "oy" sound and the voiceless alveolar stop "t".
When someone "gets off the point," it refers to a situation where an individual deviates or digresses from the main topic or purpose of a conversation, discussion, or argument. This expression indicates that a person is no longer focusing on the relevant or essential aspects of the matter at hand. Instead, they veer into unrelated or tangential subjects, losing sight of the primary objective.
When someone gets off the point, they often go off on a tangent, discussing secondary or peripheral matters that are not directly connected to the main subject. This diversion can cause confusion, waste time, and hinder the progress of the conversation or argument. It is an indication that the person fails to stay focused on the main idea and might be easily distracted or inclined to explore unrelated topics.
The expression "gets off the point" implies a departure from the central issue, resulting in a loss of coherence and clarity within the discussion. This tendency can be unintentional, as a person might genuinely believe they are contributing to the conversation, but it can also be a deliberate tactic to avoid the main topic or to confuse others.
When someone recognizes that someone else is getting off the point, it may be necessary to redirect the conversation or bring the focus back to the original subject matter. Maintaining clarity and staying on topic is crucial for effective communication and a productive exchange of ideas.