You know, it always seemed to me that "Not to put too fine a point on it" could be a legitimate, non-self-contradictory phrase.

In effect, the person is saying, "What I'm about to say may appear to be missing the forest for the trees, but it actually is important."

But I bet in actual usage, it's intended to preemptively excuse doing exactly what it says, much like "it goes without saying," or even, "I hate to say this, but..."

__________________
SeanF

"Ask to understand, but don't challenge unless you have the knowledge."--NEOWatcher

The contents of this post are ©2008 by SeanF and may not be copied or retransmitted in any form without the express written consent of SeanF