Example: Cuando no sabe la respuesta, suele irse por la tangente.
Definition
"Irse por la tangente" is a Spanish expression meaning to avoid answering a question directly by changing the subject or diverting attention. It describes the act of steering the conversation away from the main point, often to evade giving a clear response.
Translations
to evade the issue
uitwijken van het onderwerp
anar-se'n per la tangent
éluder la question
ausweichen
Etymology
The phrase "irse por la tangente" literally translates to 'go off on the tangent.' It originates from geometry, where a tangent touches a curve at a single point and then diverges away, symbolizing the act of moving away from the main topic. Did you know this metaphor perfectly captures the idea of avoiding a direct answer?
Learn to use this expression actively
"Irse por la tangente" appears in the Vocaplus list "Spanish - General - Modismos y refranes - (C2) - parte 1", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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to evade the issue