The spelling of the phrase "rolling by" follows the English language's orthographic rules. "Rolling" is spelled with a double "l" because of the vowel preceding the "l" sound, as well as the suffix "-ing." The "by" at the end follows the pattern of how this preposition is typically spelled, with a "y" at the end. In IPA transcription, "rolling" would be represented as /ˈrəʊlɪŋ/ and "by" as /baɪ/. Together, they create the familiar phrase describing something or someone in motion.
Rolling by is an idiomatic expression that refers to the act of passing by or going past gradually, usually in a smooth, continuous, and unobtrusive manner. It can be applied to various situations and contexts, both literal and figurative. In its literal sense, rolling by often describes the movement of objects or vehicles that are in motion, such as cars, trains, or even natural phenomena like rolling waves or clouds. It signifies an ongoing and uninterrupted movement, suggesting a sense of flow and progression.
In a figurative sense, rolling by can describe the passing of time or the gradual advancement of events or situations. It implies that time or circumstances are continuously moving forward without interruption, often with a sense of indifference or detachment. For instance, when someone says that they are just "rolling by," they may be conveying a laid-back attitude or an intention to go with the flow of events without actively participating or exerting much control.
In summary, rolling by encompasses the idea of gradual movement, passing, or progression often associated with vehicles or objects in motion. It can also be used metaphorically to represent the passing of time or events with an emphasis on a relaxed or detached attitude.
The phrase "rolling by" does not have a specific etymology, as it is a combination of two separate words: "rolling" and "by". However, we can look at the etymologies of each of these words individually:
1. Rolling: The word "rolling" originated from the Middle English word "rollen", which in turn came from the Old French word "rouler". Both of these words meant "to move by turning over and over". The earlier form can be traced back to the Latin word "rotulus", meaning "small wheel" or "roll".
2. By: The word "by" has a complex etymology. It originated from the Old English word "bi", which meant "near" or "by the side of". This Old English word ultimately came from the Proto-Germanic language.