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 "helping hand" refers to offering assistance or support to someone who is in need or experiencing difficulties.
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 "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 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.
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
