Where did the Phrase ‘Touch and Go’ Come from and What does it Mean?
A touch-and-go situation is a critical or risky situation; a situation whose outcome is uncertain.
This phrase has come from about three hundred years ago. It alludes to a ship passing through a narrow passage such that its sides scrape through the nearby rocks or trees.
The ship may touch these rocks and may still go forward, or it may get stuck. Hence the outcome is uncertain, and the situation is risky.
Another proposed origin refers to a cart passing on a narrow road without smashing into the other carts. These carts may literally touch each other and go, or they might get stuck.
Let’s see an example —
“The doctors said that her condition will remain touch and go for a few days. If everything goes well, she will be able to walk within three months.”
It means that her condition will remain critical and uncertain.
I hope you found this story interesting. If you did, buy my full course on Udemy or watch it for free on Skillshare by signing up here. This course covers nearly 380 idioms with their origins and backstories.
Hi, I am Gauri Shanker, a Vocab teacher and enthusiast. I teach vocabulary in a fun and engaging way. You can check out my courses here.
