win on points



win on points

Succeed but barely, especially by a technicality. For example, Both sides were forceful in that argument about the embargo, but I think the senator won on points . This term comes from boxing, where in the absence of a knockout the winner is decided on the basis of points awarded for each round. Its figurative use dates from the mid-1900s.
See also: on, point, win

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Euphranor-Ancient Greek
LarryLER-ee, LAR-eeEnglish
Timofeytee-mah-FYAYRussian
TirtaTEER-tahIndonesian
Adalheidis-Ancient Germanic
BrÁDach-Irish