Learn English – What does “half the point” mean

expressionsmeaning

We're doing a Dutch translation of an English play and having a disagreement about how to translate "I don't like her, but that's not half the point".

Some want to translate "half the point" literally while I think "half the point" has a special meaning in English that's lost in a literal translation. Unfortunately I can't find the expression "half the point" explained online. Can anybody explain this expression, preferably with a reference?

Best Answer

I think the expression simply means:

  • I don't like her, but that's not even half of the reason .. why I am disagreeing or objecting .. (without knowing the context this is speculation).

Half the point is derived from the more common expression the whole point. I am not aware of any idiomatic use. Example:

  • I don't like her; that's the whole point (e.g. why I object to her becoming my boss).