as I was saying: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘as I was saying’ mean?
The idiom "as I was saying" is used to resume or continue a conversation or topic that was interrupted or temporarily paused.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "I tell you" is used to emphasize the speaker's earnestness or certainty in what they are saying.
The idiom "I tell a lie" is used to confess that the previous statement was false or untrue.
The idiom "in other words" is used to introduce a rephrasing or clarification of something that has just been said or written, providing an alternative wording or explanation.
The idiom "I'm telling you" is used to emphasize the speaker's certainty or conviction about something they are saying. It serves to convince or persuade the listener to trust and believe what the speaker is telling them.
The idiom *I'll tell you* is used to grab someone's attention or emphasize a point before providing information or sharing an opinion. It signals that the speaker has something important to say or wants to share insight.
The idiom "I'll be" is an expression commonly used to convey surprise or disbelief. It is often used in response to unexpected or extraordinary events, indicating that the speaker is taken aback or astonished by what they have just witnessed or heard.
The idiom "I'd say" is used to express an opinion or estimate based on one's judgment or perception, often without definitive or factual evidence. It signifies a personal assessment or guess about a situation or statement.
The idiom "hold that thought" means to ask someone to temporarily stop speaking or delay a discussion until one is ready to continue or listen further.
The idiom "hit pause" means to temporarily stop or pause an activity or situation, often to reflect or take a break before continuing.
The idiom "come to mention it" is used when someone suddenly remembers or brings up a particular topic or point during a conversation.
The Elusive Phrase Unveiled
The idiom "as I was saying" is commonly used in the English language and has a specific meaning. It is used to pick up a conversation or topic that was interrupted or derailed, allowing the speaker to continue from where they left off. This idiom is often used to reestablish a point or argument after a distraction or interruption has occurred.
In its literal sense, this phrase refers to resuming a conversation or discussion that was previously paused. It is a way for the speaker to indicate that they were in the middle of making a point or providing information before being interrupted. By using this idiom, the speaker draws attention to the fact that they had a specific topic or statement they were about to share, reinforcing their intention to continue where they left off. It's similar to hitting pause and then hitting play again.
The idiom "as I was saying" can also be related to the idiom "be that as it may." "Be that as it may" is used to acknowledge a point made by someone else, but it is then followed by a contrasting or opposing statement. Similarly, when someone says "as I was saying," they are acknowledging the interruption or distraction, but they are determined to continue with their original point or argument. It's like saying, "regardless of that interruption, I want to continue with what I was saying."
Another related idiom is "in other words," which is used to provide further explanation or clarification. When someone says "as I was saying," it can serve a similar purpose. It's a signal to the listeners that the speaker is about to elaborate or provide more information regarding their previous statement. It's a way of saying, "let me clarify what I meant."
Furthermore, the idiom "hit pause" can also be related to "as I was saying." When someone hits pause, they temporarily stop what they are doing, but they have the intention to resume it later. Similarly, when someone says "as I was saying," they are putting a temporary pause on the conversation or topic that was interrupted, with the intention of continuing it later. It's like saying, "let's hit pause on that interruption and pick up where we left off."
To summarize, the idiom "as I was saying" is used to resume a conversation or discussion that was interrupted or derailed. It can be related to idioms such as "be that as it may," "in other words," and "hit pause." The use of this idiom allows speakers to regain control of a conversation and continue with their original point or argument. It has become an integral part of the English language and is widely used in various contexts of communication.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom as I was saying can be used in a sentence:
- "I was interrupted earlier, but as I was saying, the project is due next week."
- "We got sidetracked, but as I was saying, we need to focus on increasing sales."
- "Sorry for the interruption, but as I was saying, the meeting will be held at 2 PM."
The phrase "as I was saying" is used to resume or continue a conversation or thought that was previously interrupted or diverted. It is commonly used to bring back the topic or point that was being discussed before the interruption. It is a way to regain the attention of the listener and assert that the speaker wants to continue their previous train of thought.
More "Transition" idioms
