come out: Idiom Meaning and Origin

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.