not to the purpose

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Christianity must prove its adaptation to the hour that now is; its adaptation to days gone by, is not to the purpose.

From The Cradle of the Christ A Study in Primitive Christianity by Frothingham, Octavius Brooks

That these things would be abundantly safe in the cave, for any length of time, was not to the purpose; the essential matter was that we would be deprived of them.

From The Aztec Treasure-House by Janvier, Thomas A. (Thomas Allibone)

"That is not to the purpose," said the Queen peevishly.

From By What Authority? by Benson, Robert Hugh

Johnson: 'Nay, sir, that is not to the purpose of our argument; that will as much prove that he can play upon the Fiddle as well as Giardini, as that he is an eminent Grecian.'

From The Violin Its Famous Makers and Their Imitators by Hart, George

This is very ingenious and very true, and though not to the purpose for which I was seeking it p. 40yet will very well serve another. 

From A Sketch of the Life of the late Henry Cooper Barrister-at-Law, of the Norfolk Circuit; as also, of his Father by Cooper, William