to go off suddenly in another direction; suddenly to change one's line of thought, course of action, etc. (A reference to geometry. Plural: go off on tangents.) • Please stick to one subject and don't go off on a tangent. • If Mary would settle down and deal with one subject she would he all right, hut she keeps going off on tangents.
on a tangent
on a tangent On a sudden digression or change of course, as in The professor's hard to follow; he's always off on a tangent. This phrase often occurs in the idioms fly off or go off on a tangent, as in The witness was convincing until he went off on a tangent. This expression alludes to the geometric tangent—a line or curve that touches but does not intersect with another line or curve. [Second half of 1700s]
(off) on a tangent
Addressing a affair or capacity not accordant to the capital discussion. I approved to abode the customer's problem, but she kept activity off on a departure and I couldn't accept what her accurate complaint was.In the average of our chat about my finances, my adviser went on a departure about accepted events.Learn more: on, tangent
on a tangent
On a abrupt apostrophe or change of course, as in The professor's adamantine to follow; he's consistently off on a tangent. This byword generally occurs in the idioms fly off or go off on a departure , as in The attestant was acceptable until he went off on a tangent. This announcement alludes to the geometric tangent-a band or ambit that touches but does not bisect with addition band or curve. [Second bisected of 1700s] Learn more: on, tangentLearn more:
An on a tangent idiom dictionary is a great resource for writers, students, and anyone looking to expand their vocabulary. It contains a list of words with similar meanings with on a tangent, allowing users to choose the best word for their specific context.
Dizionario di parole simili, diverso tenore, sinonimi, di invocazione per Idioma on a tangent