up to a point

Idioms

To some extent, somewhat, as in I can work weekends up to a point, but after a month or so I get tired of it. This phrase uses point in the sense of “a definite position.” [Early 1800s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A great company only can be a great investment up to a point.

From The Wall Street Journal

Wilkerson isn’t opposed to AI as an introductory tool — but only up to a point.

From Los Angeles Times

It might even be good for our mental health—up to a point.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Swiss help each other to succeed -- up to a point.

From Barron's

There is no being “not serious” up to a point before falling over a line into “seriousness.”

From Slate

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023