on the point of

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on the point of

1. (idiomatic) Very near to; ready to; just about to; such that something is imminent.

   Synonyms: at the point of, upon the point of, ready, on the verge, on the brink

   Whether health care should remain free at the point of need is not a new controversy.

   • 1963, Margery Allingham, chapter 19, in The China Governess: A Mystery, London: Chatto & Windus, →OCLC:

     As soon as Julia returned with a constable, Timothy, who was on the point of exhaustion, prepared to give over to him gratefully. The newcomer turned out to be a powerful youngster, fully trained and eager to help, and he stripped off his tunic at once.

   The old building seemed to be on the point of collapse.

• on the verge
• on the brink