a punto

about to

→ a
phrase Very common #1,534
about to Often used as estar a punto de + infinitive to mean someone is on the verge of doing something. On its own or with estar, it can also mean ready. In poner a punto, it means to get something ready or tune it up.
SP: Estoy a punto de salir.
EN: I'm about to leave.

La avena está a punto.

The oatmeal is ready.

— Elena (2011)

En tres meses no tendré tiempo ni de poner la máquina a punto.

In three months I won't even have time to get the machine ready.

— Astérix y Obélix: Misión Cleopatra (2002)

Las llamas están a punto, hay que esperar a que se hagan las brasas.

The flames are just right; we need to wait for the embers to form.

— Volver (2006)

No me diga que está a punto.

Don't tell me it's about to happen.

— A Taxi Driver: Los héroes de Gwangju (2017)

Pronto nuestro cliente estará a punto.

Our client will be ready soon.

— El brazo de brillantes (1969)

A punto.

Ready.

A veces he estado a punto, pero parecías lejana.

Sometimes I've been close, but you seemed distant.

— Rebeca (1940)

Estuve a punto.

I almost did it.

— Perdición (1944)

Te tocaré el sombrero cuando esté a punto.

I'll touch your hat when it's ready.

Provisiones y armas a punto.

Supplies and weapons at the ready.

— El submarino (Das Boot) (1981)

La puse a punto esta mañana.

I tuned it up this morning.

— Atlantis: El imperio perdido (2001)

Está bien y a punto.

It's good and ready.

— Cadena perpetua (1994)