PhrasesHub

Touch and go

    Definitions

      • uncertain or precarious
        Describing a situation or outcome that is uncertain or risky, with the potential for either success or failure

      • close or narrow
        Describing a situation where the outcome is very close or uncertain, with little margin for error

    Examples of Touch and go

    • The patient underwent a touch-and-go surgery today.

      In this example, the idiom "touch and go" is used to describe a surgery that was risky and uncertain. The phrase "touch and go" here means that the outcome of the surgery was uncertain and there was a chance that the patient might not make it.

    • The stock market has been touch and go lately.

      In this example, the idiom "touch and go" is used to describe the fluctuating condition of the stock market. The phrase "touch and go" here means that the market has been unpredictable, with sudden and unexpected changes in the stock prices.

    • The negotiations between the two parties were touch and go at times.

      In this example, the idiom "touch and go" is used to describe the unpredictable nature of negotiations between two parties. The phrase "touch and go" here means that the negotiations were uncertain and could have gone either way.

    • She had a touch-and-go drive in heavy rain today.

      In this example, the idiom "touch and go" is used to describe a car ride that was risky and uncertain due to heavy rain. The phrase "touch and go" here means that there was a chance that the driver might have lost control of the car in the heavy rain.

    • The patient's condition was touch and go in the ICU. The doctors couldn't predict if he would make it through the night.

      The phrase "touch and go" here refers to an uncertain situation with an unpredictable outcome, like the patient's critical condition. "Touch" refers to the hope of recovery, while "go" refers to the possibility of deterioration.

    • The construction project faced many touch and go situations due to unexpected delays and cost overruns.

      This example highlights situations where positive progress is uncertain or subject to change. The phrase "touch and go" emphasizes the unpredictability of the situation and suggests that any positive outcome is tentative and could potentially disappear.

    • The police chase was touch and go as the suspect swerved through the city streets, narrowly avoiding obstacles.

      This usage of "touch and go" refers to a situation where danger is present, and the outcome is uncertain. It could be interpreted as a literal description of the pursuit's dynamics, with the suspect's fate hanging precariously in the balance.

    • The stock market has been touch and go lately, with sudden fluctuations in value.

      This final example illustrates how "touch and go" can describe the instability of financial or economic situations. The uncertainty associated with this phrase reflects the volatility of the market and suggests that positive or negative trends could easily turn around.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "touch and go" is used to describe situations that are uncertain, risky, or close. It can convey the idea of something being precarious or having a narrow margin for success. It is often used to describe events or situations where the outcome is in doubt, and there is little room for error.

    This idiom can be used in a variety of contexts, such as in discussions about the success of a project, the outcome of a situation, or the likelihood of a positive result. It is a versatile phrase that can convey the idea of uncertainty or close margins in a clear and concise manner.

    Origin of "Touch and go"

    The origin of the idiom "touch and go" is believed to come from the world of aviation. In the early days of flying, pilots would use the phrase to describe a landing that was uncertain or risky, often due to poor weather conditions or other factors. The phrase would indicate that the plane's wheels had only briefly touched the ground before taking off again, highlighting the uncertainty and risk involved.

    Over time, the phrase expanded beyond aviation and became a common idiom in the English language to describe any situation that is uncertain or risky. Its origins in aviation highlight the idea of a narrow margin for success, and the potential for either a successful outcome or a failure.