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Meaning of goes off on a tangent
The phrase "goes off on a tangent" primarily means to suddenly change subject or direction, often in a way that is unexpected or seemingly unrelated to the original topic.
Etymology of goes off on a tangent
The phrase "goes off on a tangent" originates from geometry, where a tangent is a line that touches a curve at a single point and then moves away from it.
The term "tangent" comes from the Latin word "tangere," meaning "to touch."
In the 17th century, the phrase "go off on a tangent" emerged as a metaphorical expression to describe a departure from a straight course or a sudden change in direction.
Synonyms
Definitions
- The phrase is used to describe a situation where someone's conversation, thoughts, or actions suddenly shift away from the main topic or direction.
- * It can also imply a loss of focus or a failure to stay on track, often resulting in a lack of coherence or relevance.
Usage Examples
- The conversation started about the new movie, but then John went off on a tangent about his favorite childhood films.
- * The professor's lecture on economics was interesting, but she kept going off on a tangent about historical events.
- * The team's discussion about the project was productive until someone went off on a tangent about an unrelated issue.