By and by Meaning in English
expression
ˈbaɪ/ /ˈænd/, /ənd/ /ˈbaɪ
BYE-and-BYE or BYE-uhnd-BYE
bˈaɪ/ /ˈænd/ /bˈaɪ
BYE-AND-BYE
Definition
'By and by' means after a period of time, eventually, or at some point in the future. It is a somewhat old-fashioned or literary way to say 'later' or 'after a while.'
Usage & Nuances
Mostly found in old books, songs, or poetic speech—it's rarely used in modern conversation. Use 'later', 'eventually', or 'after a while' in daily English. Sometimes suggests a gentle or gradual passage of time.
Spanish: con el tiempo - más adelantePortuguese (BR): com o tempo - mais adiantePortuguese (PT): com o tempo - mais adianteChinese (Simplified): 过一会儿 - 以后Chinese (Traditional): 過一會兒 - 以後Hindi: थोड़ी देर में - समय के साथArabic: في الوقت المناسب - عاجلاً أم آجلاًBengali: কিছু সময় পরে - পরেRussian: со временем - позжеJapanese: やがて - そのうちVietnamese: chẳng bao lâu - sau nàyKorean: 머지않아 - 나중에Turkish: vakitlice - zamanlaUrdu: کچھ وقت بعد - بالآخرIndonesian: nanti - lambat laun
Example Sentences
She promised to return by and by.
basic
Everything will be fine by and by.
basic
You will understand by and by.
basic
Let’s not worry so much; answers will come by and by.
natural
He’ll forgive you by and by, just give him some time.
natural
It was hard at first, but we got used to it by and by.
natural