Till We Meet Again: Definition, Meaning and Origin

Last Updated on
May 31, 2023

The idiom "Till we meet again" carries a profound sentiment of affection, hope, and anticipation. It is commonly used as a parting phrase, especially during situations where the time of the next meeting is uncertain. Though it carries a hint of sadness, it also embodies an assurance that the separation is temporary.

In short:

"Till we meet again" is a farewell phrase that implies hope for a future reunion.

What Does "Till We Meet Again" Mean?

"Till we meet again" is a warm and emotionally resonant idiom used when parting from someone. It carries a strong sentiment of hope and anticipation for future reunions, signifying that while the recent meeting may end, another one is promised. It carries a certain emotional weight, often used between friends, family, or loved ones who are parting for a considerable period or undetermined amount of time.

Some of the key aspects of this idiom include:

  • Optimism: The phrase is fundamentally optimistic, signaling the hope and expectation of meeting again.
  • Emotional resonance: It carries a significant emotional resonance, often used in profoundly personal and heartfelt interactions.
  • Unspecified time: The phrase does not specify when the next meeting will occur, adding a layer of uncertainty and longing.
  • Universality: "Till we meet again" is understood and used globally, highlighting a universally shared sentiment.

Where Does "Till We Meet Again" Come From?

The origins of the phrase "Till we meet again" are challenging to pinpoint with precision, but it appears in numerous cultural contexts throughout history. In the mid-19th century, it was commonly found in personal letters and informal communications.

Historical Example

"I regret that we shall not meet sooner, but till we meet, I preserve the remembrance of our past meeting."

—a letter to his friend Thomas Moore, by Lord Byron, 1811

"... and ere I end this rhyme,

Say you, 'Till we meet again!' to them."

—' The Pied Piper of Hamelin,' by Robert Browning

10 Examples of "Till We Meet Again" in Sentences

Here are some examples that demonstrate the use of "Till we meet again" in different contexts:

  • In the light of the setting sun, we bid each other farewell, knowing that till we meet again, our paths shall cross once more.
  • Till we meet again, he said, holding back his tears.
  • Till we meet again, could you shed some light on the mysterious disappearance?
  • We must part ways now, but till we meet again, he declared.
  • We bid farewell with the promise until we meet again and decide to skydive, just for kicks.
  • I will hold our memories close to my heart till we meet again, she wrote in her letter.
  • With a heavy heart, she said, Till we meet again, my friend.
  • Till we meet again, he said as he embarked on his journey.
  • She held his hand, looked into his eyes, and said, Till we meet again.
  • Sure, let's catch up next week for coffee. Till we meet againping me when you're free!

Examples of "Till We Meet Again" in Pop Culture

"Till we meet again" has also found a significant place in popular culture:

  • In the movie Casablanca, a variant of the phrase, "Here's looking at you, kid," carries the same sentiment.
  • The song "Till We Meet Again" by Doris Day was a major hit in the 1950s.
  • James Patterson's book, "Till We Meet Again," uses the phrase as a title to hint at a story of longing and reunion.
  • The TV series "Till We Meet Again" aired on Singapore's MediaCorp Channel 8.
  • British band Queen's song "Who Wants to Live Forever" contains the lyrics "Until we meet again...".
  • Bob Dylan's song "Restless Farewell" has a verse, "Oh a false clock tries to tick out my time, To disgrace, distract, and bother me. And the dirt of gossip blows into my face, And the dust of rumors covers me. But if the arrow is straight, And the point is slick, It can pierce through dust no matter how thick. So I'll make my stand, And remain as I am, And bid farewell and not give a damn...".
  • The phrase has often been used in the closing remarks of TV and radio shows, for example, "Goodnight, and till we meet again."
  • A movie titled "Till We Meet Again" was released in 2016, reflecting a story of self-discovery and love.

Other Ways to Say "Till We Meet Again" in Sentences

There are many other ways to convey the sentiment behind "Till we meet again."

Some of these include:

  • Until our paths cross again.
  • Farewell, until we see each other again.
  • Goodbye for now, but not forever.
  • Until we gather again.
  • So long, until next time.
  • Goodbye, until the day we reunite.
  • Parting is such sweet sorrow until tomorrow.
  • See you on the other side.
  • We'll cross paths again.
  • Here's to the next time we meet.

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Till We Meet Again"

Here are some common questions about the phrase "Till we meet again":

  • What does "Till we meet again" mean?
    It's a parting phrase expressing hope and desire for a future reunion.
  • What is the origin of "Till we meet again"?
    The exact origins are unknown, but the phrase has been used in literature and personal communications since the 19th century.
  • Is "Till we meet again" formal or informal?
    It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but the tone is usually heartfelt and personal.
  • Can "Till we meet again" be used in written communication?
    Yes, it's often used in personal letters, emails, and even text messages.
  • Are there other phrases similar to "Till we meet again"?
    Yes, phrases like "Until our paths cross again," "Goodbye for now, but not forever," and "Until we gather again" convey similar sentiments.
  • Is "Till we meet again" used globally?
    Yes, while it's predominantly used in English-speaking countries, the sentiment it carries is universal.
  • Is "Till we meet again" a sad phrase?
    While it does signify parting, the phrase is more hopeful than sad, as it anticipates a future meeting.
  • Is "Till we meet again" used in popular culture?
    Yes, it can be found in movies, music, TV series, and books.
  • Is "Till we meet again" an idiom or a proverb?
    It's more of an idiom as it's a fixed expression with a figurative meaning.
  • Can "Till we meet again" be used in professional settings?
    Yes, but its usage in professional settings would be more appropriate for personal interactions rather than formal business communication.

Final Thoughts About "Till We Meet Again"

The idiom "Till we meet again" holds a cherished place in both language and culture, symbolizing the warmth of relationships and the hope of future reunions.

  • It's a farewell phrase with a hint of optimism and anticipation for the next meeting.
  • The phrase is flexible and can be used in a variety of social and emotional contexts.
  • "Till we meet again" transcends geographical boundaries, reflecting a universal human sentiment.

So the next time you bid adieu, consider the phrase "Till we meet again." After all, it's not just a goodbye; it's a promise of a hopeful reunion.

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