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Usenet Posted 22 years ago
Usage
Idiom: touch and go
The idiom "touch and go" sounds like it refers to an occurance, the effect of which is not lasting, but is transient and passe. However, the meaning of the idiom, as described in the New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, seems to be quite in disagreement with my understanding. I find it rather confusing that the usage has been ascribed to a thing marked by uncertainty and peril.
http://www.bartleby.com/59/4/touchandgo.html
How did the idiom come to parlance?
http://www.bartleby.com/59/4/touchandgo.html
How did the idiom come to parlance?
Top answer
[nq:1]The idiom "touch and go" sounds like it refers to an occurance, the effect of which is not lasting, but ... usage has been ascribed to a thing marked by uncertainty and peril. [/nq] Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable defines it as "a very narrow escape" and says that it perhaps derives from driving, when the wheel of one vehicle touches that of another passing vehicle without doing mischief.
- [nq:1]The idiom "touch and go" sounds like it refers to an occurance, the effect of which is not lasting, but ...
- usage has been ascribed to a thing marked by uncertainty and peril.
- [/nq] Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable defines it as "a very narrow escape" and says that it perhaps derives from driving, when the wheel of one vehicle touches that of another passing vehicle without doing mischief.
- " The definition is correct.
- As for the origin, that explanation is plausible enough, but we don't know Alan Alan Crozier Lund Sweden
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8 Answers
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[nq:1]The idiom "touch and go" sounds like it refers to an occurance, the effect of which is not lasting, but ... usage has been ascribed to a thing marked by uncertainty and peril. http://www.bartleby.com/59/4/touchandgo.html How did the idiom come to parlance?[/nq]
Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fab
Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fab
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Alan Crozier typed thus:
[nq:2]The idiom "touch and go" sounds like it refers to ... and peril. http://www.bartleby.com/59/4/touchandgo.html How did the idiom come to parlance?[/nq]
[nq:1]Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable defines it as "a very narrow escape" and says that it perhaps derives fro
[nq:2]The idiom "touch and go" sounds like it refers to ... and peril. http://www.bartleby.com/59/4/touchandgo.html How did the idiom come to parlance?[/nq]
[nq:1]Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable defines it as "a very narrow escape" and says that it perhaps derives fro
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[nq:1]Alan Crozier typed thus:[/nq]
[nq:2]Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable defines it as "a ... origin, that explanation is plausible enough, but we don't know[/nq]
[nq:1]I don't use this as "a narrow escape". To me, it describes that an unwanted outcome is as likely as not.[/nq]
To me too, now that you mention it, and to the Concise Oxford: "uncertain regarding a result, risky"
[nq:2]Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable defines it as "a ... origin, that explanation is plausible enough, but we don't know[/nq]
[nq:1]I don't use this as "a narrow escape". To me, it describes that an unwanted outcome is as likely as not.[/nq]
To me too, now that you mention it, and to the Concise Oxford: "uncertain regarding a result, risky"
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[nq:1]Alan Crozier typed thus:[/nq]
[nq:2]Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable defines it as "a ... origin, that explanation is plausible enough, but we don't know[/nq]
[nq:1]I don't use this as "a narrow escape". To me, it describes that an unwanted outcome is as likely as ... sailor for 35 years, I've run around many a time but have never heard the phrase used in this context.[/nq]
[nq:2]Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable defines it as "a ... origin, that explanation is plausible enough, but we don't know[/nq]
[nq:1]I don't use this as "a narrow escape". To me, it describes that an unwanted outcome is as likely as ... sailor for 35 years, I've run around many a time but have never heard the phrase used in this context.[/nq]
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[nq:1]And as a sailor for 35 years, I've run around many a time [/nq]
And had a girl in every port?
Maria Conlon
Toy boat, toy boat, toy boat, toy boat, toy boat.
And had a girl in every port?
Maria Conlon
Toy boat, toy boat, toy boat, toy boat, toy boat.
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[nq:1]I like neither "narrow escape" nor "unwanted outcome". I prefer "iffy".[/nq]
I was going to suggest that too. I managed to confuse myself however because it also means "dodgy".
I guess this now means I've posted my first "me too".
Andrew Gw.
I was going to suggest that too. I managed to confuse myself however because it also means "dodgy".
I guess this now means I've posted my first "me too".
Andrew Gw.
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Maria Conlon typed thus:
[nq:2]And as a sailor for 35 years, I've run around many a time [/nq]
[nq:1]And had a girl in every port?[/nq]
Aground, around. Around, aground. Makes no never mind.
David
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[nq:2]And as a sailor for 35 years, I've run around many a time [/nq]
[nq:1]And had a girl in every port?[/nq]
Aground, around. Around, aground. Makes no never mind.
David
==
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[nq:1]The majority of online sources suggest that it's a sailing metaphor, arising from running your boat lightly aground and immediately ... sailor for 35 years, I've run around many a time but have never heard the phrase used in this context.[/nq]
It's a common phrase for people who take flying lessons. Doing a "touch and go" means bringing the plane in for a landing, touching the wheels dow
It's a common phrase for people who take flying lessons. Doing a "touch and go" means bringing the plane in for a landing, touching the wheels dow
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