I have just read an excellent article from "The Economist" about decoding European diplomats.

 

http://www.economist.com/world/europe/PrinterFriendly.cfm?Story_ID=3152907

 

its asks a question

 

For example, how many non-Brits could decode the irony (and literary allusion) which lies behind the expression “up to a point”, which is used to mean “no, not in the slightest”

 

 

and I have no idea what the answer is. anyone have a go?

Maybe I watched too much 'Yes, Minister' as a kid.

It reminds me of one of my favorite Monty Python quotes:

 

"There is no cannibalism in the British navy, absolutely

none, and when I say none, I mean there is a certain amount."

 

What is a throw away phrase to one nation holds great meaning in others. And the US is famous for some of the British-type sayings that mean the opposite of what they sound like. "I mean no disrespect" is synonymous with "I just want to say you're a big fat horse's a$$!"

 

I would assume the "up to a point" refers to a point being very small, or in math where the numbers behind the point or decimal refer to fractionally small numbers, so when someone says, "I agree with you, up to a point," they are saying there is a tiny amount of validity in what you say.

but whats the irony in saying "up to a point"? i dont get it

"Up to a point" seems to say to the listener that there is a strong possibility when in fact there is very, very little possibility, creating irony (an incongruity between what might be expected and what actually occurs).