As an example, consider the idiom beside the point, an adjective phrase meaning irrelevant. Beside the point refers to arguments that are "not directly connected with the main subject or problem that you are talking about," according to the Longman Dictionary.
If the point of your debate is the cost of textbooks and you start talking about graduation deadlines, then you are adding information that is beside the point.
According to the Big Site of Amazing Facts, the expression comes from the ancient archery, the skillful practice of shooting arrows with a bow. The literal meaning refers to the center point on a target, so beside the point means "a shot that is wide of the target." English speakers began using the expression figuratively around the year 1352.
I've always been fascinated by idioms—particularly the fact that they become so ingrained in the culture that we forget they're not meant literally. I'm reminded of this when I hear people from other cultures use idioms that make no sense to me at all. When I ask them what it means, they momentarily look at me as if I had been raised by wolves because, well—it's OBVIOUS what it means...isn't it? Uh, no. Not to someone from another culture. "Knees-up" is an example of a British idiom. I was able to figure out what it meant from the context, but it amused me because I'd never heard it before. Do you know what it means? (I'm purposely not providing any context.)
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