come from something— 1. originate from a place: The African Elephant is said to be smaller than the Asiatic: yet the largest tusks come from Africa. 2. result from smth.: That’s what comes from staying up late with little sleep when cramming for an exam. come of something— 1. happen to smth.: John shudders as […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Come from someone and Come of someone
come from someone—be descended from a person or family: Harlow comes from a wealthy ranch-owning family. come of someone— 1. happen to a person: No one knows where he has gone or what has come of him. 2. = come from someone: He came of a rich family, but was left an orphan in his […]
Difference between Come free and Go free
come free—become unattached: After throwing the ropes across the river to loop the boat and pulling on them, the boat came free. go free—be released from confinement or imprisonment: The court has determined that she was not a willing participant and therefore may go free.
Difference between Come forward with something and Go forward with something
come forward with something—offer a plan, solution, answer, etc.: I’ll wait until he comes forward with some new proposals. go forward with something—(also: go ahead with something) proceed with smth.: The Committee decided to go forward with its plans of social reform.
Difference between Come forward and Go forward
come forward— 1. stand out: The great door was ornamented with figures, some coming forward so that they looked real. 2. present oneself (with an offer to help): The police have asked for witnesses of the accident to come forward. 3. (of an issue) be raised for discussion: The matter was deferred at last evening’s […]
Difference between Come for something and Go for something
come for something—arrive to collect smth.: You’ve come for my money, haven’t you! No one can have it! go for something— 1. have a liking for smth.: I don’t go for horror films, and I can’t understand why anyone likes them. 2. be sold for a specified amount of money: The house went for just […]
Difference between Come for someone and Go for someone
come for someone—(coll.) rush forward with the object of attacking a person: As I opened the gate a great black dog came for me. go for someone— 1. = come for someone: Our dog went for the postman again this morning, he’ll get us into trouble. 2. (coll.) approve of or support a person: Will […]
Difference between Come easy to someone and Go easy on someone
come easy to someone—(of skills, money, etc.) be mastered or gained easily without much exertion: She has a natural talent for learning, and it comes easy to her. Cf.: easy come, easy go—used to say that smth. you get easily can be lost as easily: Several recessions taught me that unless you are disciplined about […]
Difference between Come down with something and Go down with something
come down with something— 1. provide money or information: We need not worry. The firm will come down with the money. 2. be taken ill with a disease: The good Deacon almost feared he was about to come down with a fever. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase come up […]
Difference between Come down to the wire and Come under the wire
come down to the wire —(also: go down to the wire) continue to the very last moment or the very end: The game came down to the wire with the Eckerd defense stopping the Owls in the final minutes. come under the wire —(also: go under the wire) 1. be at the finishing-line of a […]
Difference between Come down to something and Go down to something
come down to something— 1. be reduced to its real meaning: The whole matter comes down to a power struggle between the trade union and the directors. 2. be reduced to a humble position: He finally came down to selling matches on street corners. 3. get down to smth.; examine smth.: When we come down […]
Difference between Come down to earth and Go to earth
come down to earth—(also: come back to earth) stop daydreaming; return to practical realities (especially unpleasant): Now, Virgie, come down to earth and give me the low-down. What’s happened to Mrs. Bedford’s diamonds? go to earth—(also: go to ground) go into hiding; put oneself out of sight: The policeman … turned back to assist his […]