20240719生成俗语260~269

260. Come a long way

This phrase originated from the concept of traveling a long distance, which later became a metaphor for significant progress and achievements through time and effort.

In modern English, it is often used to praise someone or something for showing notable improvements from the starting point to the present.

She has come a long way since she first started learning to play the piano. 

Our company has come a long way since its humble beginnings in a small garage.

You have come a long way in your studies of English, keep up the good work!

261. Come alive

This phrase can be traced back to the late 19th century and is used to express that someone or something transitions from a dull, lifeless state to one full of energy and vitality.

In many occasions, it can describe a person suddenly becoming enthusiastic or a place buzzing with activity at a particular time or event.

The city comes alive during the festival with music and dancing everywhere. 

She really comes alive when talking about her passion for painting.

The garden comes alive in spring with all the blooming flowers.

262. Come clean

This phrase originated in the late 19th century, initially used to describe someone coming out “clean” or innocent from a predicament.

Over time, it has evolved to mean confessing or admitting to wrongdoing, especially when it involves dishonest or misleading behavior.

After months of lying, he decided to come clean about his mistakes.

It’s always better to come clean than to keep hiding the truth. 

She finally came clean about the accident to her parents.

263. Come down with a cold

This phrase literally means “coming down” or getting a particular illness.

“Come down with” is especially used to refer to non-serious illnesses, and it is most commonly used to convey that someone has begun to show symptoms of a cold or a similar minor ailment.

She missed the meeting because she came down with a cold. 

I think I’m coming down with a cold; my throat is sore. 

Everyone in the office seems to have come down with a cold this week. 

264. Come hell or high water

This idiom can be traced back to the 19th century and its literal meaning involves “hell” and “high water,” symbolizing extreme adversities or difficulties.

In modern English, “Come hell or high water” is commonly used to denote a strong determination to achieve something or fulfill a commitment despite any obstacles or challenges that might arise.

I’ll be at your wedding, come hell or high water. 

They promised to deliver the project on time, come hell or high water.

She’s determined to finish this marathon, come hell or high water.

265. Come in handy

This phrase originates from discussions where the speaker believes that an item or skill will be very useful at some point in the future.

In everyday life, it’s often used to indicate that something or someone’s skill will help resolve some issues or problems eventually.

Keep this tool in your bag, it might come in handy one day.

Her sewing skills really came in handy during the costume party.

This guide will come in handy for your trip to Japan

266. Come out of your shell

This phrase originates from the shell of a turtle or snail, signifying the act of breaking out of a protective barrier to become more proactive and open.

It is often used to describe someone becoming more confident and outgoing in social or emotional contexts.

After joining the drama club, she’s really come out of her shell. 

He used to be very shy, but he came out of his shell at university.

The workshop helped participants come out of their shells and share their ideas. 

267. Come out smelling like roses/a rose

This idiom originates from the pleasant fragrance of roses, which is always associated with beauty and delight.

“Come out smelling like roses” means to emerge from a difficult situation perfectly, or to avoid negative outcomes.

For instance, a person comes out of a complex or lousy situation unscathed.

In such cases, the person is often seen as clever and fortunate.

Despite the controversy, she managed to come out smelling like a rose.

John’s mistake didn’t affect him, and he came out of it smelling like roses. 

After the investigation, the company came out smelling like roses and even gained more trust from the public.

268. Come rain or shine

This phrase originates from weather conditions, rain or shine, meaning something will happen regardless of the situation, indicating that plans or decisions will not change.

It’s commonly used in modern society to emphasize commitment and reliability in various promises, arrangements, and decisions.

I’ll be there to support you, come rain or shine. 

He jogs every morning, come rain or shine. 

The event will take place come rain or shine. 

269. Comfort food

“Comfort food” refers to those foods that bring warmth and satisfaction when we’re feeling down or need comfort.

These foods often have nostalgic significance or can evoke pleasant memories.

Comfort food is usually associated with one’s childhood or particular emotional connections.

When I’m stressed, I turn to macaroni and cheese as my comfort food. 

Chicken soup is classic comfort food for many people. 

Ice cream has always been my go-to comfort food after a bad day.