The phrase "touched base with" is commonly used in informal conversation to describe the act of making contact or checking in with someone. Interestingly, the spelling of this phrase may seem odd to non-native English speakers who are not familiar with the irregularities of English pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, "touched base with" is spelled /tʌtʃt beɪs wɪð/, with the "ch" sound in "touched" pronounced like a "t" and "w" in "with" pronounced like a "v".
The phrase "touched base with" is an idiomatic expression commonly used in informal conversation. It typically means to make contact or communicate with someone, often to gather or update information, check on progress, or simply to maintain a connection. This expression suggests a brief or casual interaction rather than an in-depth or formal conversation.
The term "touched base with" is believed to have originated from baseball, where players need to physically touch each base in order to advance and ultimately score a run. Similarly, when we say we "touched base with" someone, it implies that we briefly connected with them before moving on to the next step in our communication or business process.
The act of touching base can be conducted through various means, including face-to-face meetings, phone calls, emails, text messages, or online chat. It is often used in professional settings to indicate that one has reached out to colleagues, clients, or partners for updates, coordination, or reassurance regarding a particular project or task.
In a broader sense, "touched base with" can also refer to reconnecting with old friends, family members, or acquaintances to catch up or stay in touch, although it is more commonly used in the context of work or business-related interactions. Overall, the phrase conveys the notion of maintaining communication or contact with someone, maintaining relationships, and staying informed about ongoing matters.