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OP
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The phrase "by the same token" is in common usage here.
Is it used around the globe?
Is it a corruption of "buy the same token...."?
What is its etymology?
Please.
stales
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The phrase "by the same token" is in common usage here.
Is it used around the globe?
Is it a corruption of "buy the same token...."?
I don't know of the etymology but it is known in this part of the world so I'm guessing it has a UK derivation. It's common meaning is to imply 'on the other hand' so the corruption above doesn't hold with me.
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Carpal Tunnel
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Dear Stales: My dictionary gives: by the same token for this reason; following the same line of reasoning
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Pooh-Bah
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It's common meaning is to imply 'on the other hand' so the corruption above doesn't hold with me.
I wouldn't say that its use is common in the UK - leastways, not these days - but it used to be in fairly frequent use years ago.
However, to me it always seemed to have the connotation of, "springing from the same source."
E.g: Understaffing means that many buses are late. By the same token, most of the staff are tired and surly."
(ot something of that sort!)
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Anonymous
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It's common here, too, so i wouldn't jump to the conclusion that it's a briticism. my best guess at its etymology would be something along the lines of this:
you put a token in a machine and you get one of various 'prizes' ~ all from the same machine, all of relatively equal value, but all deriving from the same (or similar) token. i think it just represents the mental (or verbal) process of offering a token--or path of thought--and coming up with varied (but comparable, and similarly derived) responses.
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An idiom that definitely has its roots in fares (tram/cable car), is one my grandfather used to say:
'That's is the end of the penny section'
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Rubrick: It's common meaning is to imply 'on the other hand'
MaxQ:That's how it's most often used when I hear it, too. It is often prefaced with "but"
I think the "but" is the thing that creates the inversion. I've often been told that "but" nullifies everything mentioned in the sentence so far (not sure I agree entirely). Anyhooo...
Bartleby says:
IDIOMS: by the same token In like manner; similarly.
I would tend to use by the same token in the Bartleby way. "We have considered XYZ product. By the same token, I think we should evaluate ABC product." Having read this back to myself though, I can see how it might sound as if it's a but.. but it's intended to be saying "we should evaluate ABC product in the same way" ... Hmmm... Anyone confused?  I am...
Hev
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Mercy, people, it seems obvious to me, and one look at my thesaurus bears this out: "Token, n 1. indication, sign, evidence, manifestation, testimony, testament, symbol." (Roget, 1999.)
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That's how it's most often used when I hear it, too. It is often prefaced with "but" Maybe this inversion of its meaning is an Irish thing, Rubrick? There's plenty of 'em here.
I've never really thought about it, Max, but it does ring true with other Irishisms so, on reflection, I s'pose you're right.
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