Definition & Meaning of "Go off on a tangent"

go off on a tangent

/ɡˌəʊ ˈɒf ˌɒn ɐ tˈandʒənt/

/ɡˌoʊ ˈɔf ˌɑːn ɐ tˈændʒənt/

to go off on a tangent

PHRASE

to begin talking about a subject that is not in any way related to the original topic that is being discussed

to [go] off on a tangent definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "go off on a tangent" and when to use it?

The idiom "go off on a tangent" likely originates from the geometric concept of a tangent line, which touches a curve at a single point without intersecting it further. It is used to emphasize the idea that the person has deviated from the main topic and is now exploring a related or unrelated idea or subject.