How to translate the idiom: “missing the point”?

Question

What would be the correct way to translate into Spanish the idiom: "to miss the point"?

I'm often tempted to write "perder el punto", but it doesn't sound quite right.

For example: "To bring headphones to a concert is like missing the point".

Answer 1

As a native Spanish speaker I really like the English expression to miss the point but unfortunately there's no direct translation. In the context of an argument, you can use:

• Eso no viene a cuento / al caso / al tema

• Estás desviando la conversación / no cambies el tema

• Estás desvariando (warning: sounds harsh)

• ¿Eso qué tiene que ver? (harsh, too)

In the context of the given example ("To bring headphones to a concert is like missing the point"):

• Eso no tiene mucho sentido

• Eso es más bien paradójico

• ¿Es que, para qué vas a ir a un concierto si vas a llevar auriculares? (This retoric question is actually the most used idiom - as I said there's no translation for this one.)

Answer 2

What about Te vas por las ramas?

Answer 3

I'd use "no tiene sentido" in your example:

"llevar audifonos a un concierto no tiene sentido"

But the translation is more close to "doesn't make any sense"

Answer 4

To tell someone they are missing the point, you would best make an explicit accusation such as : Oyes, te andes perdido! Which means: Hey, you are lost. meaning they are clueless. In this scenario, you usually razz them by explicitly aiming the statement at them. Soarta like calling them down on the carpet in front of everyone, so to speak. In the Mexican culture, it is customary to make an example of someone's mistake so they don't make the same mistake again. The word "oyes" means "listen up" or "hear what I say". Oyes is always used to drive a point home. In our culture, we like to "catch" each other off guard and show off in front of others. It is a cultural thing and all done in good fun. It is an integral part of "La Vida Loca".

Answer 5

I would translate it to:

Está fuera de lugar.