BY THE BY Meaning and
Definition
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By the by is a phrase in the English language used to introduce a statement or remark that may be off-topic or unrelated to the current discussion. It is primarily employed as an interjection or transitional phrase to divert attention to another subject or introduce a digression. The term "by the by" is often considered a synonym for "by the way" and is commonly used in informal conversations and written texts.
This phrase can be seen as a means of adding additional information or making an incidental comment that may not be directly relevant to the ongoing conversation. It serves as a way to interject a thought, anecdote, or observation without interrupting the flow of the dialogue. "By the by" can establish a casual tone within the conversation, indicating informality or familiarity between the speakers.
The term "by the by" can be traced back to the 16th century, where it was used in the sense of "aside" or "in passing." It involves using the word "by" as a preposition to indicate a secondary or tangential point. The phrase is often followed by a comma or a dash to indicate a brief pause in the conversation before introducing the new topic. With its versatile usage, "by the by" enables speakers to smoothly navigate between multiple subjects, ensuring a natural and effortless transition in conversation.
Idioms with the word BY THE BY
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by the by (or bye)
The idiom "by the by (or bye)" means incidentally or by the way. It is used to introduce or mention something that is not directly related to the current topic of conversation.
