Pronunciation: [dɹˈɒps bˈa͡ɪ] (IPA) 
The phrase "drops by" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /drɒps baɪ/. This means that the first syllable "drops" is pronounced as "drohps" with a rounded, open o sound and a sharp, plosive d sound. The second syllable "by" is pronounced as "bahy" with a long a sound and a y sound at the end. This phrase is commonly used to refer to someone visiting briefly or unexpectedly.
"Drops by" is a colloquial phrase which typically refers to the act of making a brief, unplanned visit or stopover at someone's place or at a particular location. The term suggests a spontaneous or casual nature of the visit, often without a specific reason or prior arrangement. It implies arriving at a destination without any particular intention other than possibly to say hello, catch up, or provide a brief update.
Moreover, "drops by" can also be used to describe a person's habit or tendency of making such impromptu visits on a regular basis. It characterizes someone who frequently and casually shows up at someone's residence or workplace without any pre-arranged appointment or invitation. The term brings the connotation of an informal and casual interaction, where the visit is often of short duration, not warranting and often not expecting an extended stay.
This phrase can also be used in a broader sense, outside the context of personal visits, to describe calling on or visiting a place for a brief period, such as a store, a cafe, or any other location one may frequent. In these cases, "drops by" signifies a quick or spontaneous visit, often without an explicit purpose other than perhaps a momentary desire to be present or engage in a certain activity.
The phrase "drops by" is a colloquial expression that combines the verb "drop" and the preposition "by". The etymology of "drop" can be traced back to the Old English word "droppa", which referred to small globules of liquid. Over time, in Middle English, it became "droppe" and maintained its meaning of a small quantity of liquid falling or being released. The preposition "by" comes from the Old English word "bi", which indicated proximity or presence. When combined, "drops by" means to make a quick, informal visit or to stop by someone's location briefly. The etymology reflects the actions of dropping in and being present momentarily.
