The story
Possibly from the French en pointe meaning to be on the tip of the toes in ballet and reflects a higher degree of skill. On point also describes a degree of competence and in the military the man on point was at the front and most exposed position in a combat military formation, that is, the leading soldier or unit advancing through hostile or unsecured territory. In recent American youth (especially hip hop) culture, the idiom on point refers either to someone who possesses abundant and various qualities of competence, leadership or style, or to specific acts which demonstrate such qualities.
First known use, by meaning
- from 20th c. Having a direct application to the case or topic under consideration; apposite, relevant.
- from 20th c. On the tips of the toes; en pointe.
- from 20th c. Having taken point; responsible for leading an operation; more generally, deployed and alert.
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.