come to nothing: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "come to nothing" is used to express the idea that an effort or plan has failed or achieved no significant outcome. It is often used to describe situations where expectations or hopes have been dashed, and the expected result or outcome has not been realized.

The origins of this idiom are believed to be from the mid-17th century, as it can be traced back to the Middle English word "no-thing," meaning "nothing." Over time, the idiom has evolved but its core meaning remains consistent.

When something "comes to nothing," it means that it has failed to materialize, produce results, or meet expectations. This can refer to various situations, such as a business venture that fails to generate profit, a relationship that ends in disappointment, or a plan that doesn't come to fruition.

The idiom "come to nought" is a close synonym of "come to nothing." Both phrases express the idea of an effort or plan that has ended in failure or achieved no significant result. They can be used interchangeably to convey the same meaning.

The idiom "lead nowhere" is another expression that is related to "come to nothing." It conveys the idea that a particular effort or endeavor has not resulted in any significant progress or outcome. It implies that the effort has been in vain and has not led to any substantial results.

The phrase "go nowhere" is also similar in meaning to "come to nothing." It suggests that a particular effort, plan, or endeavor has not made any progress or achieved any desired outcome. It implies a sense of frustration or disappointment with the lack of results.

Another related idiom is "bring to nought," which conveys the same idea as "come to nothing." It means that an effort or plan has failed or achieved no significant outcome. It suggests that the effort has been rendered futile or useless and has not produced the desired result.

The idiom "hiding to nothing" is another expression that is related to "come to nothing." It implies that a particular effort or endeavor is unlikely to succeed and is destined to fail. It suggests that the effort is futile and that there is no chance of achieving the desired outcome.

The idiom "come to nothing" is often used to express a sense of disappointment, frustration, or resignation. It implies that efforts have been in vain and that any expectations or hopes associated with a particular outcome have been crushed. The idiom can be used in both formal and informal contexts, and it is widely understood among English speakers.

There are many scenarios where the idiom "come to nothing" can be applied. For example, if someone spends weeks preparing for a job interview and then doesn't get the job, they may feel that their efforts have come to nothing. Similarly, if a sports team trains tirelessly but fails to win the championship, their hard work and dedication may seem to have come to nothing.

It is important to note that the idiom "come to nothing" does not necessarily imply that all efforts were completely wasted or that no lessons were learned from the experience. It simply suggests that the desired outcome or expected result was not achieved. In some cases, it may even be possible to view the failure as a learning experience or stepping stone towards future success.

The idiom "come to nothing" is a phrase commonly used to express the idea of a failed effort or plan that has not resulted in the desired outcome. It carries a sense of disappointment, frustration, or resignation. While its exact origins may be uncertain, its meaning and usage are well understood in the English language.