as I was saying

The idiom "as I was saying" is commonly used in the English language and has a specific meaning. It is used to pick up a conversation or topic that was interrupted or derailed, allowing the speaker to continue from where they left off. This idiom is often used to reestablish a point or argument after a distraction or interruption has occurred.

In its literal sense, this phrase refers to resuming a conversation or discussion that was previously paused. It is a way for the speaker to indicate that they were in the middle of making a point or providing information before being interrupted. By using this idiom, the speaker draws attention to the fact that they had a specific topic or statement they were about to share, reinforcing their intention to continue where they left off. It's similar to hitting pause and then hitting play again.

The idiom "as I was saying" can also be related to the idiom "be that as it may." "Be that as it may" is used to acknowledge a point made by someone else, but it is then followed by a contrasting or opposing statement. Similarly, when someone says "as I was saying," they are acknowledging the interruption or distraction, but they are determined to continue with their original point or argument. It's like saying, "regardless of that interruption, I want to continue with what I was saying."