this is where we came in: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘this is where we came in’ mean?
The idiom "this is where we came in" means that the situation is repeating itself, similar to when someone arrives late to a movie and enters the theater just as the story is starting over again. It implies that the speaker is familiar with the situation and has already seen or experienced it before.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "there you are" is used to draw attention to someone or something that has been found or located, or to acknowledge someone's presence or arrival.
The idiom "there we go" is used to express satisfaction or approval when something goes as planned or expected. It can also be used to signal the start or completion of an action or event.
The idiom "the rest is history" is used to indicate that the subsequent events or outcome of a particular situation are well known or predictable, and therefore do not need to be explained further.
The idiom "show up" means to appear or arrive at a specific place or event, often unexpectedly or in a surprising manner.
The idiom "show up" primarily means to attend or appear at a specified time or place. It is often used in reference to events, meetings, or appointments where someone is expected to be present. This notion of 'showing up' can be likened to making an appearance or coming up in situations where one's presence is required or anticipated.
The idiom "same old story" means a situation or story that is repetitive, familiar, and uninteresting due to its lack of change or variation.
The idiom "same old story" is a commonly used phrase in American English with a specific meaning. It refers to a situation or narrative that is repetitive, predictable, or unchanging. This idiom is often used to express a sense of frustration, boredom, or resignation.
The idiom "once again" means to do something repeatedly or to have a recurring event or situation. It implies that something has happened before and is happening again. It can also indicate a sense of familiarity or predictability.
The idiom "once again" is a commonly used phrase in the English language that indicates a repetition or recurrence of an action or event. It is recognized and understood by English speakers across different regions and cultures.
The idiom "in the here and now" means focusing on the present moment and not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
The idiom "here you are" is used to hand something over to someone or to guide someone to a specific location.
Unexpected Reentry
The idiom "here we go again" is closely related to the expression "this is where we came in". Both idioms convey a sense of déjà vu or repetition. "Here we go again" is often used when someone finds themselves in a familiar or frustrating situation that has happened before. It implies a sense of resignation or predictability, as if the outcome of the situation is already known.
Similarly, "this is where we came in" can be used to indicate that the speaker recognizes a familiar pattern or sequence of events. It suggests that the current situation is a rehash of something that has already happened, and that history is repeating itself. Just as "here we go again" implies a sense of inevitability, "this is where we came in" acknowledges that the speaker has seen or heard something before.
Another related idiom is "have seen this movie". This phrase is often used to express the idea that the speaker has already experienced a particular situation or heard a particular story. It implies a sense of familiarity and suggests that the outcome of the current situation is already known. In the context of "this is where we came in", the idiom "have seen this movie" emphasizes the repetition and predictability of events.
The idiom "here we go" is similar to "here we go again" and "this is where we came in" in that it conveys a sense of déjà vu or repetition. It is often used when someone anticipates that a familiar or recurring situation is about to happen. "Here we go" suggests that the speaker recognizes the pattern of events and knows what is about to unfold.
Another related idiom is "come full circle". This phrase is often used to describe a situation where events or circumstances return to their original state or point of origin. It implies that a cycle has been completed and that things have gone back to where they started. In the context of "this is where we came in", the idiom "come full circle" emphasizes the cyclical nature of events and suggests that the current situation is a repetition or continuation of what has already happened.
Finally, the phrase "once again" is often used to indicate that something is happening or being repeated for a second or subsequent time. It suggests that the speaker has seen or experienced the same thing before and that it is happening again. In the context of "this is where we came in", the phrase "once again" reinforces the idea that the current situation is a repetition or continuation of what has already happened.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "this is where we came in" can be used in a sentence:
- After watching a movie for a while, Jack realized that the ending was the same as the beginning and said, "This is where we came in!"
- During a long business meeting, Sarah noticed that the discussion had circled back to the original topic and jokingly exclaimed, "This is where we came in, isn't it?"
- As a play reached its final scene, Mary turned to her friend and whispered, "This is where we came in. It's like we're seeing it all over again."
More "Timing" idioms
