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Keep in touch

Posted by ESC on May 03, 2003

In Reply to: What does "keep in touch" mean? posted by James Briggs on May 03, 2003

: : Hi,
: : I was wondering where does the phrase "keep in touch" originate from.
: : Doesnt touc mean physical contact? How can I have feel the "touch" of someone not in the same physical proximity?
: : Please help.
: : Thanx.

: 'In touch' is naturally, the opposite of 'out of touch', the origin of which is:

: If you're Out of Touch with a situation, then you've lost contact with things. The comparison seems obvious but the saying has its roots in actual touching. In the 18th century military drills required every soldier to be within touching distance of the men on either side; he had to brush arms with his companions when marching. If he didn't do so then he was deemed 'out of touch'.

On a personal basis, family and friends "keep in touch" by writing, phone calls, e-mail and visits. It means to stay involved in someone's life -- communicate. Don't let long periods of time pass without anyone hearing from you.

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