come out: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘come out’ mean?
The idiom "come out" means to make something known or to reveal something that was previously hidden or unknown.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "turn out" means to have a specific result or outcome, often different from what was expected or predicted.
The idiom "jump out" means to stand out or be noticeable due to its distinct or unusual characteristics.
The idiom "go out" means to leave one's home or current location for social or recreational purposes.
The idiom "give out" means to become exhausted, to no longer function properly, or to distribute something. It can also imply revealing or disclosing something to others.
The idiom *flush out* means to force someone or something out into the open, especially by using tactics or methods that expose their true nature or intentions.
The idiom "fish out" means to find or extract something or someone, often from a difficult or obscure place or situation.
The idiom fish out is commonly used in everyday conversation to refer to the act of locating or uncovering something hidden or difficult to find. It has both a literal and a figurative meaning, and its origins can be traced back to the fishing industry.
The idiom "find out" means to discover or obtain information by investigating or asking questions.
The idiom "expose oneself" means to reveal or make known something that was previously hidden or secret, often in an embarrassing or vulnerable way.
The idiom "duck out" means to leave a place or situation quickly or secretly, often to avoid something or someone. It implies a sudden or sneaky departure.
The idiom "duck out" is a commonly used phrase in American English, with several established meanings depending on the context in which it is used.
The idiom "dig up" means to uncover or discover information or facts that were previously unknown or forgotten.
Idiom: dig up
The primary meaning of the idiom "dig up" is to excavate or unearth something from the ground. This usage is derived from the literal act of digging up dirt or objects buried beneath the surface. In this sense, "dig up" is commonly used in the fields of archaeology, paleontology, construction, and gardening.
Unraveling the Enigma
The idiom "come out" has a variety of meanings that are widely used in everyday American English. One of the most common uses of this idiom is to indicate the act of publicly revealing or disclosing information. This can be seen when someone decides to openly discuss their sexual orientation for the first time, "coming out" as gay or lesbian.
Another meaning of "come out" is related to the emergence or appearance of something. This can refer to the publication or release of a book, movie, or album. For example, when a highly anticipated novel is finally published and available for purchase, it is said to "come out" in the literary world.
In addition, the idiom "come out" can be used to describe the result or outcome of a situation or event. For instance, if a person participates in a competition or contest and achieves a favorable result, it can be said that they "came out" on top or were victorious.
Furthermore, the idiom "come out" can also be used to express the process of leaving or exiting a particular place or situation. This can be seen in phrases such as "come out of the closet," which is a metaphorical expression used to describe someone publicly acknowledging their non-heterosexual sexual orientation.
"come out" can be used to describe the act of becoming visible or noticeable. This is often used in relation to the appearance of the sun or the moon from behind clouds or the horizon. For example, if the sun appears after a cloudy day, it is said to "come out" from behind the clouds.
One related idiom to "come out" is "turn out." This phrase is used to describe the result or outcome of a situation or event. It is similar to "come out" in that it refers to how something or someone ends up. For example, if someone initially appears to be unfriendly, but then turns out to be kind and helpful, it shows that first impressions can be deceiving.
Another related idiom to "come out" is "bring to light." This phrase is used when something is revealed or disclosed, similar to "come out" in its meaning of publicly revealing information. It implies that something was previously hidden or unknown and is now being brought into the open. For instance, a journalist may uncover a scandal and bring it to light by reporting on it.
Additionally, "come out" can also be related to "come up." This phrase is used to describe something that arises or appears. It can be similar to "come out" in its meaning of emergence or appearance. For example, if a new trend in fashion comes up, it means that it has recently become popular or noticed.
Overall, the idiom "come out" encompasses different meanings, including revealing information, the emergence of something, the result of a situation, leaving a place or situation, and becoming visible. Its usage is prevalent in various contexts and contributes to the richness and versatility of the English language.
Example usage
1. After keeping it a secret for months, the news finally came out that she was pregnant.
2. The truth about the scandal is bound to come out eventually.
3. I can't wait for the new episode of my favorite TV show to come out next week.
More "Verb" idioms
