by the bye

Idioms  

1. Also, by the by. Incidentally, in passing, as in By the bye, my wife is coming too, or Exactly where do you live, by the by? The bye or second by in this term originally meant “a side path,” whence the current sense of “off the track” or “of secondary importance.” [Early 1500s] Also see by the way.

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Example Sentences

Indeed, perhaps the only true words he had spoken that decade, though that is by the bye.

From The Guardian • Apr. 25, 2019

Iowa’s used six different starting combinations up front but could get tackle Boone Myers back following extra rest provided by the bye week.

From Washington Times • Nov. 4, 2016

And by the bye, youse editors have never divulged what you do when some irate subscriber makes an ass of himself by canceling his subscription?

From Time Magazine Archive

“She had engaged to go as governess to Mrs. Smallridge’s children—a dear friend of Mrs. Elton’s—a neighbour of Maple Grove; and, by the bye, I wonder how Mrs. Elton bears the disappointment?”

From "Emma" by Jane Austen

Call me what you please, my dear, when we are alone," said the old lady, "but keep what you know, or suspect—rather more than the actual fact, by the bye," she added—"keep it to yourself.

From Fairies Afield by Molesworth, Mrs. (Mary Louisa)

Related Words

• casually
• remotely