The phrase "went on tangent" is commonly used to describe a sudden change in topic during a conversation. The spelling of "tangent" may seem tricky, but it can be broken down phonetically as /ˈtændʒənt/. The "tang" sound is pronounced like "tanj," while the following "e" is silent. The last syllable, "-ent," is pronounced with a soft "g" sound and the "ent" sound as in "sent." So, despite its confusing-looking spelling, "tangent" is actually quite easy to pronounce once you know its phonetic breakdown.
The phrase "went off on a tangent" or "went on a tangent" is an idiom commonly used in English to describe the act of deviating from the main topic or subject being discussed and pursuing a separate, often unrelated line of thought or conversation. When someone goes on a tangent, they veer away from the original focus, resulting in a temporary detour or divergence.
This idiom typically implies a sudden and unanticipated shift in the conversation, where the individual starts discussing an entirely different subject or expresses a different viewpoint. It may manifest as a sudden burst of enthusiasm or an impulsive desire to share a related but separate piece of information. The tangent can be triggered by a comment, a question, or even a random thought that ignites a train of thought completely separate from the original topic.
Going on a tangent can have mixed effects. On one hand, it can broaden the conversation, provide fresh insights, or add depth to the discussion. On the other hand, it may cause confusion, disrupt the flow, or lead to a loss of focus. Whether the tangent is welcomed or deemed irrelevant depends on the context and the participants' intentions and goals.
Overall, "went on a tangent" signifies a momentary departure from the primary subject, taking the conversation down an unexpected path. It highlights the temporary diversion from the topic at hand and emphasizes the speaker's digression into a separate line of thought.