things that might have kids going off on a tangent
The phrase "going off on a tangent" suggests the act of deviating from the main topic of discussion and delving into unrelated subjects. This idiom is often used to describe a situation where someone starts talking about a small detail that leads to a wider ranging conversation.
Background
The phrase comes from the practice of making tangent lines on a plane triangle. A tangent line is a straight line that touches the curve at a single point, but does not cross it. In the field of mathematics, the ratio between the opposite side and the adjacent side of a right-angled triangle is called the tangent. In everyday language, the phrase has come to mean the act of straying from the point of interest or main discussion and beginning to talk about something entirely different.
Example
Imagine two friends having a conversation about their favorite movies. One friend mentions a recent movie they watched and the plot twists they appreciated. The second friend, wanting to keep the conversation going, might start talking about famous actors or directors instead of the movie itself. This deviation from the main topic of their conversation about movies leads to a tangent, and the conversation shifts to a new subject.
Uses in Language
The phrase "going off on a tangent" can be applied to many different contexts, including literature, television, radio, and even conversations in person. In literature, characters may go off on tangents when they introduce subplots that don't contribute directly to the overarching story. In broadcasting, a news anchor might dive into a long-winded explanation about a technicality without providing any real insight into the news event at hand.
Cultural Impact
The phrase has become a cultural staple in English, particularly in American English, where it's used frequently in everyday language. It is often used in a humorous or light-hearted context to describe someone's digressions or the inability to stay focused on the subject at hand.
Conclusion
Despite its seemingly casual nature, the phrase "going off on a tangent" carries a specific meaning in everyday English. It refers to the act of偏离ing from the main topic and embarking on a separate line of discussion. This idiom is widely understood and is used in various contexts to describe moments when a conversation or story takes an unexpected turn into unrelated territory.
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