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 meeting, but will come forward at our next session.
Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase come to the fore—(also: come to the front) become conspicuous or popular:
- Andrew Young came to the fore during the Civil Rights marches of the 1960s.
go forward—
1. improve; make progress:
- Work on the new hospital is going forward at a satisfactory pace.
2. be presented (to an authoritative body) for consideration or approval:
- Your name will go forward to the committee when they are considering the new appointments.
3. (of the clock or watch) be moved to a later hour:
- Do the clock go forward in the spring?
See also: come out ahead / go ahead.