token
as a token
As a gift signifying something. Take this bottle of wine as a token of my gratitude. The headmaster gave us each a plaque, as a token of her appreciation.
See also: token
as a token of (something)
As a gift or offering signifying something. Take this bottle of wine as a token of my gratitude. The headmaster gave us each a plaque, as a token of her appreciation.
See also: of, token
by the same token
1. Similarly. In the same manner. I'm not good at math and, by the same token, I struggle with scientific equations.
2. Because of the same causes or the same reasons as what was previously stated. When crime increases, house prices plummet by the same token.
See also: by, same, token
in token of (something)
In a show of something; as a symbol of something. In token of our appreciation, we present you with this medal. Nana told me she was giving me her locket in token of her affection for me.
See also: of, token
token gesture
A mostly perfunctory or symbolic action that generally is of little importance or consequence. I know that the $200 they gave me at the end of my three-month internship was just a token gesture, but I really needed the money by that point! I've always thought that simply signing your name on a birthday card is little more than a token gesture.
See also: gesture, token
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
as a token (of something)
symbolic of something, especially of gratitude; as a memento of something. He gave me a rose as a token of his esteem. Here, take this gift as a token of my appreciation.
See also: token
by the same token
Cliché a phrase indicating that the speaker is introducing parallel or closely contrasting information. Tom: I really got cheated! Bob: You think they've cheated you, but, by the same token, they believe that you've cheated them. Some say he is a real charmer, but by the same token others are put off by his manner.
See also: by, same, token
token gesture
an action or a decision that is so small or inconsequential as to be only symbolic. Offering to pay for my dinner was only a token gesture. That does little to make up for my inconvenience.
See also: gesture, token
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
by the same token
1. In the same way, for the same reason. For example, He has a good ear for music, and by the same token he finds it easy to pronounce foreign words . This phrase today is used in a general way to connect statements that have some logical association with one another. [Mid-1400s]
2. As a corroborating circumstance, as in Boston's population has grown very fast, and by the same token its urban problems have also increased . [Late 1800s]
See also: by, same, token
in token of
As a sign or symbol of, as in He gave her a ring in token of his love, or In token of our esteem, we dedicate this hospital wing to Dr. Lurie. [Early 1500s]
See also: of, token
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
by the same token
You use by the same token to introduce a statement that you think is true for the same reasons that were given for a previous statement. If you give up exercise, your muscles shrink and fat increases. By the same token, if you expend more energy you will lose fat.
See also: by, same, token
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
by the same token
in the same way; for the same reason. 1975 Frederick Exley Pages from a Cold Island The student could ask anything he chose, and by the same token Wilson could if he elected choose not to answer.
See also: by, same, token
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
by the ˌsame ˈtoken
for the same reasons: The penalty for failure will be high. But, by the same token, the rewards for success will be great.See also: by, same, token
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
by the same token
In like manner; similarly.
See also: by, same, token
in token of
As an indication of: a ring given in token of love.
See also: of, token
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
by the same token
In the same manner; moreover, for the same reason. A “token” is a sign or symbol of something, a meaning dating from the fifteenth century, and until 1600 or so “by the same token” meant “on the same grounds,” or “for the same reason.” After 1600, however, it came to mean “the proof of this being,” that is, introducing a corroborating fact or circumstance. Thus Dickens wrote in 1857, “Others caused large Fires to be made . . .; by the same token that two or three were pleased to set their houses on Fire and so effectually sweetened them by burning them down to the Ground.”
See also: by, same, token
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
- as a token
- as a token of (something)
- in token of
- in token of (something)
- by the same token
- look a gift horse in the mouth
- disqualify
- disqualify (someone or something) for (something)
- disqualify for
- fiddler's pay