come in handy: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘come in handy’ mean?
The idiom come in handy means to be useful or helpful in a specific situation or when needed. It implies that something or someone can be relied upon or be of practical value when required.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "on hand" means to be available or accessible in the present moment or in a particular place.
The idiom "on hand" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It means that something is readily available or easily accessible at a given moment. When something is "on hand," it is present and can be used or accessed immediately. The idiom is derived from the literal meaning of having something physically within reach or close proximity.
The idiom "helping hand" refers to offering assistance or support to someone who is in need or experiencing difficulties.
The phrase "helping hand" is commonly used to refer to assistance or support that is provided to someone in need. It is often used metaphorically, indicating that someone is offering help or giving aid in a difficult situation. This idiom can be seen as a way to describe the act of giving someone a hand or lending a hand when they need it most.
The idiom "extra pair of hands" refers to having additional help or assistance from someone. It signifies having someone to share or lighten the workload, particularly in tasks that require manual labor or physical effort.
The idiom "do me a favor" is a way of politely asking someone to help or assist you with something, often implying that the person is doing something for you as a personal favor. It is a common phrase used in everyday conversations.
The idiom "do me a favour" is commonly used in the US. It means to ask someone to do something for you as an act of kindness or to help you out. The phrase is informal and often used in daily conversations.
The idiom "come up with" means to produce or find an idea, solution, or answer, often unexpectedly or under pressure.
The idiom "come into the world" means to be born or to enter life. It is used to describe the beginning of someone's existence or the moment when someone is born into this world.
The idiom "come into the world" is a commonly used phrase in the English language that holds both literal and figurative meanings. Its origin and etymology can be traced back to the Old English period, where its usage can be found in early written texts.
The idiom "come into one's own" means to reach a stage of maturity, fulfillment, or success where one's skills, talents, or abilities are recognized and valued by others. It implies a sense of self-realization and the ability to assert oneself with confidence.
The idiom "come into being" means the process or event of something coming into existence or being created.
The idiom "come in from the cold" means to leave a situation of isolation, exclusion or vulnerability and be accepted or welcomed into a more favorable or secure position.
The idiom "come forward" means to voluntarily offer information or assistance, typically in a situation where it is needed or requested.
The idiom "come forward" is a common expression in the English language. It has been used for centuries and has multiple meanings and uses. The etymology of this idiom is derived from the literal meaning of the words "come" and "forward."
Hidden Magic
The idiom "come in handy" is a common phrase in English. It means that something is useful or convenient for a specific situation or purpose. This idiom often describes objects or skills that can be helpful in various circumstances.
The origins and etymology of "come in handy" are not clear, but it has been in use for many years, indicating its long history in the English language.
The idiom "come in handy" is used in both formal and informal contexts, in written texts and spoken language. People from various regions and backgrounds use this idiom, making it widely recognized.
The meaning of "come in handy" is straightforward. It expresses the usefulness or convenience of something in a given situation. For example, if someone is going on a camping trip and brings a pocket knife, they might say, "This knife will come in handy for cutting ropes or opening cans."
The idiom "come in handy" is often used in everyday conversations to highlight the practicality and usefulness of objects or skills. It emphasizes the benefits of having something available when needed, enhancing preparedness and problem-solving capabilities.
Another idiom related to "come in handy" is "helping hand." A helping hand refers to someone who provides assistance or support. When something comes in handy, it is like having a helping hand available when you need it. It aids you in accomplishing a task or resolving a problem.
Similarly, the idiom "come along" is related to "come in handy." When something or someone comes along, they appear or arrive at a particular time or place. It can be used to describe a helpful person or an object that arrives at the right moment and proves to be useful or convenient.
Lastly, the idiom "at someone's disposal" relates to "come in handy" as well. When something is at someone's disposal, it means it is available for their use or at their disposal. If something comes in handy, it is readily available and can be used by someone to their advantage or convenience.
Overall, the idiom "come in handy" is commonly used in English to convey the usefulness or convenience of something in a specific situation. While its origins are uncertain, its widespread use and clear meaning make it a familiar phrase to English speakers. Whether in spoken or written language, this idiom continues to be used to express the practicality and value of having something available when needed. It allows individuals to reflect on their own experiences and instances where something has come in handy.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "come in handy" can be used in a sentence:
- When I went camping, the flashlight I brought really came in handy when it got dark.
- I always keep a spare charger in my bag, it has come in handy many times when my phone battery dies.
- Carrying a multitool can come in handy in various situations, such as fixing small problems or opening packages.
More "Usage" idioms
