“Touch base” is an idiom that means to make contact with someone, usually to update them or check in on progress.
Imagine you’re a baseball player rounding the bases, and you need to briefly touch each base to continue your run. In a similar fashion, when you touch base with someone, you’re quickly checking in to ensure everything is on track. It’s like giving a quick high-five of information.
The idiom touch base generally expresses a sense of connection, collaboration, and concern. It conveys a desire to stay updated and ensure smooth communication.
The phrase touch base is derived from baseball, where players must touch each base to score a run. It has been used in a business context since the mid-20th century, symbolizing the need to check in with colleagues or partners regularly.
Person A: “Hey, we haven’t had a chance to touch base lately. How are things going?” Person B: “Busy, but good. Let’s touch base tomorrow over lunch.”
Person A: “I need to touch base with you about the project status.” Person B: “Sure, how about we touch base after the meeting today?”
Person A: “Have you had a chance to touch base with the new manager?” Person B: “Yes, I touched base with her yesterday. She’s on board with our plans.”
Person A: “We should touch base with IT to ensure everything’s ready for the launch.” Person B: “Good idea, I’ll touch base with them now.”
Person A: “Let’s touch base later this week to review the report.” Person B: “Sounds good, I’ll make a note to touch base with you on Friday.”
In the United States, touch base is commonly used across both professional and personal settings. It’s a versatile phrase often heard in meetings, emails, and casual conversations. In India, the idiom is also understood, especially in business environments influenced by Western corporate culture. However, it might be used more in formal or work-related contexts rather than casual conversations. Despite these slight differences, the core meaning remains the same in both regions: to check in or update someone briefly.
The idiom “touch base” refers to making brief contact with someone to update them or check in on progress. This phrase is often used in professional settings, but can also apply to personal interactions.
Humorous Understanding
Think of it like a baseball game: you need to touch each base to score a run. Similarly, when you touch base with someone, you’re making a quick check-in to ensure everything is on track, like a high-five of information.
Emotion Expressed
Touch base conveys a sense of connection, collaboration, and concern. It shows a desire to stay informed and ensure smooth communication.
Historical Usage
Originating from baseball, where players must touch each base to score a run, the idiom touch base has been used in business contexts since the mid-20th century to signify regular check-ins and updates.
Additional Sentence Examples
Dialogues
Person A: “We haven’t had a chance to touch base this week.” Person B: “You’re right, let’s touch base tomorrow.”
Person A: “I need to touch base with you about the new policy.” Person B: “Sure, let’s touch base after lunch.”
Person A: “Did you touch base with the marketing team?” Person B: “Yes, I touched base with them this morning.”
Person A: “Let’s touch base with our partners to ensure they’re on board.” Person B: “Good idea, I’ll schedule a call.”
Person A: “We should touch base with the client before sending the proposal.” Person B: “Agreed, I’ll reach out to them today.”
Exercise Questions
