What does actually 'by tomorrow' mean?

[Nicky_K]

Hello,

I know that 'by tomorrow' means, depending on context, either 'any time before tomorrow' or 'any time today or tomorrow'. But I've heard many times phrases, where 'by tomorrow' means exactly 'tomorrow' and not 'today'.

For example this dialogue, which you can hear on 'Two And A Half Men':

Mia: - Frankly, I'd love to have a boy in the class. It's hard to get males that age excited about ballet.

Charlie: - Really? 'Cause Jake is just "ballet" this and "ballet" that.

Mia: - Yeah, I'm sure. Tell you what. Why don't you bring him by tomorrow?

Charlie:- Great. Maybe afterward, you and I...

Mia:- Charlie, listen carefully. You and I? Never gonna happen.

Charlie: - Understood. See you tomorrow.

In this context 'by tomorrow' means precisely 'tomorrow'. Because this conversation happened after (or during) today's ballet lesson and the next lesson will start tomorrow at a certain time. It makes no sense to bring Jake today.

Why did Mia say 'by tomorrow' and not just 'tomorrow'?

Thank you

 

[Barb_D]

[Bring him by] [tomorrow]

Bring him by = bring him around = bring him to the dance studio, etc.
When should he do that? Tomorrow.

 

[Rover_KE]

Barb is right - you misunderstood 'bring him by tomorrow' in this case.

However, 'by tomorrow' is a common phrase meaning - as you proposed - 'tomorrow (at the latest)'.

'This essay must be handed in by tomorrow'.

Rover

 

[BobK]

...
However, 'by tomorrow' is a common phrase meaning - as you proposed - 'tomorrow (at the latest)'.

'This essay must be handed in by tomorrow'.

Rover

:up: But if necessary it's often reinforced with a time: A teacher who says 'This essay must be handed in by tomorrow' is asking for trouble if they mean 'This essay must be handed in by tomorrow at the usual morning lesson' (inviting the complaint, on the following day. 'But Sir, I was going to do it in the lunch break'. ;-))

b