by and by

Etymology
From, equivalent to.

Adverb

 * 1) After a short time.
 * 2) * a. 1822, "On the Symposium, or Preface to the Banquet of Plato"
 * "You are laughing at me, Socrates," said Agathon, "but you and I will decide this controversy about wisdom by and by, taking Bacchus for our judge. At present turn to your supper."
 * 1) After an indefinite period.
 * 2)  Immediately; at once.
 * 1) After an indefinite period.
 * 2)  Immediately; at once.
 * 1)  Immediately; at once.
 * 1)  Immediately; at once.
 * 1)  Immediately; at once.

Usage notes

 * The meaning of the term has changed from referring to a "near" time (by) to a vaguer range of times, possibly influenced by the use of the term as a noun to refer to the hereafter.

Synonyms

 * , ; see also Thesaurus:soon
 * , ; see also Thesaurus:eventually
 * , ; see also Thesaurus:immediately

Translations

 * Cherokee: ᎤᏩᎫᏗᏗᏒ
 * Irish: ar ball
 * Maori: taihoa, taihoa ake, taro kau iho, tāria te wā, taro ake, tāria, tāia, tāria te wā, tākaro
 * Navajo: hodíinaʼgo
 * Russian:, ,

Noun

 * 1) Heaven; the hereafter. Usually preceded with "the sweet."

Synonyms

 * ,, : see also Thesaurus:afterlife

Translations

 * Russian: ,