Was / Were On The Point Of

TO BE ON THE POINT OF DOING SOMETHING is a common phrase

commonly used in the past tense followed by a verb in the gerund form.

“We were on the point of signing off on the design when more adjustments were suggested.”

The phrasal verb signing off, meaning to give final approval, is used in the continuous form.

used when we talk about something that almost happened but was then interrupted or prevented. You are at that point but something happens to change the situation.

very similar to was/were about to, although that phrase is not followed by a gerund.

“I was about to sign off on the design when we realized some elements had been overlooked.”