To modern speakers of English, especially Americans, the phrase conjures images of baseball, where the corner bases are stations with which a runner must make contact before being put out-or, perhaps, the need for a fielder possessing the ball to make contact with one of the bases to record an out in certain situations.Īlthough touch base as an idiom is rarely seen in that form (i.e., without an article such as the) in modern descriptions of baseball, it can be found in instances throughout the 20th century, particularly in rule-book descriptions and the like: Touch base often gets mentioned in lists of overused business jargon.

Stephen Beale, The Norwich Bulletin¸ 14 Oct. He said the timeframe for reapplying was up to the town. Musial said he will be touching base with town staff to see what additional information might be needed. Ken Davidoff, The New York Post, 22 Oct. To touch base means to make contact or communication with someone, usually briefly.Īt the very least, when free agency kicks off this winter, the Yankees and Cole, represented by Scott Boras, will touch base and express mutual interest.

Get in touch meaning