TOUCHANDGO Meaning and
Definition
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Touch-and-go is an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation or an action that is uncertain, precarious, or fleeting. It refers to a state of affairs in which the outcome or progress is uncertain and could easily go either way, potentially resulting in success or failure. The term is often used to describe risky or perilous situations that require careful navigation and could have significant consequences.
In a literal sense, touch-and-go is commonly associated with aviation. It refers to a type of aircraft landing where the wheels briefly touch the runway and immediately take off again without coming to a complete stop. This kind of landing is typically performed in situations where the runway length is limited, like when dealing with short runways, or when the aircraft is experiencing mechanical difficulties and needs to land briefly to assess the situation before deciding whether to continue on or abort the landing.
Figuratively, touch-and-go is often used in metaphorical or figurative contexts to describe uncertain or unstable situations, where the outcome hangs in the balance. It could refer to an unstable relationship or a precarious financial situation, where success or failure could occur at any moment. The term captures the notion that the situation is delicate and could quickly change direction, requiring careful attention and adaptability.
Etymology of TOUCHANDGO
The word "touch-and-go" is a compound expression formed by combining two separate words: "touch" and "go".
"Touch" derives from the Old French word "touchier", which came from the Vulgar Latin word "touccāre". It originally meant "to come into contact with" or "to handle". The word was further influenced by the Old French "tochier", meaning "to touch, hit, or knock". This Old French term ultimately derived from the Frankish word "tukkōn", meaning "to touch, reach, or injure".
The word "go" dates back to Old English as "gān", which means "to move or walk" and is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "gāną". It is related to several Germanic languages, such as German "gehen" and Dutch "gaan".
Idioms with the word TOUCHANDGO
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be touchandgo
The idiom "be touch and go" means to be uncertain or in a precarious situation where the outcome is uncertain and could go either way. It implies a situation that is risky or uncertain and could easily tip one way or the other.
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touchandgo
The term "touch and go" is an idiom that refers to a situation that is uncertain or risky and could easily go either way. It can also describe an event or situation that is unpredictable or unstable.
