A telling point is
Argumentation and critical discussion expression
حرفيًا: A revealing or significant fact is
Use this to introduce the one specific fact that proves your entire argument is right.
في 15 ثانية
- Introduces a piece of evidence that reveals the underlying truth.
- Used to highlight the most significant part of an argument.
- Signals deep critical thinking and sharp observation skills.
المعنى
This phrase introduces a specific fact or piece of evidence that proves your argument is correct. It is the 'smoking gun' or the detail that reveals the hidden truth of a situation.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6Discussing a job candidate
A telling point is that he didn't research our company at all.
A revealing fact is that he didn't research our company at all.
Analyzing a friend's breakup
A telling point is that she didn't even seem sad when they split.
A significant indicator is that she didn't even seem sad.
Debating a political policy
A telling point is that the budget for education was actually cut.
A crucial piece of evidence is that the education budget was cut.
خلفية ثقافية
The phrase draws from the 19th-century use of 'telling' to mean 'having a marked effect.' It reflects a Western rhetorical tradition that prizes efficiency and 'the clincher'—the single piece of evidence that ends a debate.
The 'Aha' Moment
Use this phrase right before you deliver your 'knockout' argument. It builds suspense and makes your listener pay closer attention.
Don't Overuse It
If every point is a 'telling point,' then none of them are. Save it for the one piece of evidence that truly matters.
في 15 ثانية
- Introduces a piece of evidence that reveals the underlying truth.
- Used to highlight the most significant part of an argument.
- Signals deep critical thinking and sharp observation skills.
What It Means
Think of a telling point as the star witness in a courtroom drama. It is a detail that doesn't just add info. It changes how everyone sees the whole picture. It 'tells' the truth about someone's character or a plan's flaws. It is the moment where you say, 'Aha! Look at this!'
How To Use It
You usually place this at the start of a sentence to highlight your strongest evidence. Use it after you have already discussed a few general ideas. It signals to your listener that the 'real' proof is coming now. You can say a telling point is that... followed by a full fact. It works best when the fact you are sharing is a bit surprising. It should feel like you are revealing a secret.
When To Use It
Use this in a serious debate or a deep conversation with a friend. It is perfect for analyzing a movie or a person's behavior. In a business meeting, use it to point out a flaw in a competitor's strategy. It shows you are thinking critically and deeply. If you are arguing about why a restaurant failed, use it to highlight the one big mistake. It makes you sound very sharp and observant.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for small, obvious things. If you say, a telling point is that the sun is hot, people will laugh. It is too heavy for casual small talk about the weather. Avoid it in very emotional, heated fights with a partner. It can sound a bit too cold or clinical. It feels like you are 'winning' an argument rather than listening. Also, don't use it if you don't have a strong follow-up fact.
Cultural Background
This expression comes from the idea of a 'hit' or a 'mark' in sports or combat. In the past, a 'telling blow' was a strike that actually did damage. Over time, it moved from physical fights to intellectual ones. In British and American culture, we value 'getting to the point.' This phrase helps you do that with style. It suggests you are a person who looks past the surface.
Common Variations
You might hear people say a telling detail or it is telling that.... Both mean almost the same thing. A telling detail focuses on a small object or specific word. It is telling that is a very common way to start a sentence. You can also say that is a very telling point to agree with someone else. It is like giving them a high-five for being smart.
ملاحظات الاستخدام
This is a high-level (C2) expression. It is most at home in analytical writing, journalism, or structured debates. While it can be used informally, it always retains a sense of 'detective-like' observation.
The 'Aha' Moment
Use this phrase right before you deliver your 'knockout' argument. It builds suspense and makes your listener pay closer attention.
Don't Overuse It
If every point is a 'telling point,' then none of them are. Save it for the one piece of evidence that truly matters.
The British Nuance
In the UK, this phrase is often used with a bit of dry understatement. It’s a polite way of saying 'this proves you are wrong' without being aggressive.
أمثلة
6A telling point is that he didn't research our company at all.
A revealing fact is that he didn't research our company at all.
Shows the candidate's lack of interest through one specific action.
A telling point is that she didn't even seem sad when they split.
A significant indicator is that she didn't even seem sad.
Uses a behavior to prove an underlying lack of affection.
A telling point is that the budget for education was actually cut.
A crucial piece of evidence is that the education budget was cut.
Highlights a contradiction in a formal debate.
A telling point is he only calls when he needs money lol.
The most revealing thing is he only calls for money.
Informal use to point out a pattern of behavior.
A telling point is that the lead actor looked bored in every scene.
A clear sign of the movie's quality is the actor's boredom.
Points out a specific detail that explains why the movie failed.
A telling point is that he couldn't look me in the eye.
The most significant sign is that he avoided eye contact.
Focuses on a physical cue that reveals a hidden truth.
اختبر نفسك
Choose the best phrase to highlight a key piece of evidence in a discussion.
The company claims to be eco-friendly, but ___ that they still use plastic packaging for everything.
The phrase 'a telling point is' correctly introduces a fact that contradicts the company's claim.
Complete the sentence to show critical analysis of a situation.
___ that the witness changed her story three times during the interview.
'A telling point' is the standard idiomatic expression for a significant piece of evidence.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Formality of 'A Telling Point'
Used with friends to gossip or analyze behavior.
A telling point is he never pays for dinner.
Used in meetings to critique a plan or strategy.
A telling point is the drop in user retention.
Used in essays to highlight key evidence.
A telling point is the author's use of irony.
When to use 'A Telling Point'
Job Interview Feedback
They didn't ask about salary once.
Movie Critique
The villain has no clear motivation.
Relationship Talk
He forgot our anniversary again.
Business Strategy
The competitor lowered their prices.
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةIn this context, 'telling' means 'revealing' or 'effective.' It describes something that carries a lot of meaning, like in the phrase a telling smile.
Not exactly. A good point is just a valid idea, but a telling point is evidence that exposes a deeper truth or a hidden flaw.
Yes, it is excellent for C2-level writing. It shows you can identify which evidence is most significant to your thesis.
It's a bit sophisticated, but you can use it with friends if you are being slightly dramatic or analytical. For example: A telling point is she still has his photo on her desk!
They are very similar. A 'point' is usually an argument or fact, while a 'detail' is a small, specific observation.
Yes, using 'the' makes it sound like it is the *most* important point of all. The telling point was his silence.
Usually, it is used to find flaws or secrets, but it can be positive. A telling point of her kindness is how she treats the waiter.
Yes, it is used in both British and American English, though it sounds slightly more 'intellectual' or 'literary' in the US.
No, you describe the *point* or *fact* as telling, not the person. You wouldn't say he is a telling point.
Don't confuse it with 'talking point.' A talking point is just a topic people are discussing; a telling point is evidence that proves something.
عبارات ذات صلة
A case in point
A specific example that illustrates the topic being discussed.
The smoking gun
A piece of undeniable evidence that proves a crime or mistake.
It speaks volumes
When something provides a lot of information without needing words.
The clincher
The final fact or event that settles an argument or deal.
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