in passing

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in passing

He mentioned the idea in passing during our conversation.

Definition

Adverb 1. Mentioned briefly or casually while discussing another topic: Used to indicate that a comment or piece of information is not the main focus of the conversation but is mentioned incidentally.

Usage

The phrase "in passing" is used to describe a remark or observation that is made briefly and without emphasis, often as an aside during a discussion of something else. It signals that the point is secondary or tangential.

Examples
  • The professor mentioned the author's early life in passing before focusing the entire lecture on her major works.
  • "Oh, in passing, she said the meeting might be moved to Thursday," he added, returning to the main agenda.
  • He noted in passing that the software was still in beta, but his main point was about its potential.
Advanced Usage
  • To say/mention/note something in passing: This is the standard collocation. The action verb (say, mention, note, observe, remark) is followed by the object, then "in passing."
    • She mentioned in passing that she had visited Paris years ago.
Variants and Related Words
  • Incidentally (adverb): In a way that is not planned or directly connected with what is being discussed. Often used synonymously with "in passing" to introduce a side comment.
    • "Incidentally, have you seen my keys?"
  • By the way: A common conversational phrase used to introduce a new but often minor topic or reminder. It is more informal than "in passing."
  • Parenthetically (adverb): Expressed as or within a parenthesis; as an aside. This is a more formal synonym.
Synonyms
  • Casually
  • En passant (a borrowing from French with the same meaning)
  • As an aside
  • Tangentially
Related Idioms & Phrases
  • In the same breath: Used to describe saying two things that are surprisingly different or contradictory one right after the other. While related as a phrase about concurrent remarks, it emphasizes contrast more than incidental mention.
    • He criticized the plan and, in the same breath, proposed something very similar.
  • Throw out: To say something casually or without careful thought. Can be similar to "mention in passing."
    • He threw out a few ideas for the project name.
in passing

He mentioned the idea in passing during our conversation.

Adverb
  1. incidentally; in the course of doing something else
    • he made this remark in passing

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