Come the…
phrase
When the specified time or event arrives.
I may seem strong now, but come the hour of reckoning, I might be just as scared as you.
Often appears as...
- come the moment
- come the hour
Usage tips
Formal
Idiomatic
phrase
Adopting a role, often in a pretentious or grandiose manner.
He's always playing the victim - come the innocent when it suits him.
Often appears as...
- come the innocent
- come the victim
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
When the specified time or event arrives.
I may seem strong now, but come the hour of reckoning, I might be just as scared as you.
Often appears as...
- come the moment
- come the hour
Usage tips
Formal
Idiomatic
phrase
Adopting a role, often in a pretentious or grandiose manner.
He's always playing the victim - come the innocent when it suits him.
Often appears as...
- come the innocent
- come the victim
Usage tips
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Temporal Trigger
Used when a particular time or event will prompt action or reaction.
She's fearless now, but come the final exam, her nerves will show.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Shift
Signals an expected change in emotion or behavior when an event occurs.
Come the announcement of results, everyone's true feelings will surface.
Pro Tip 3/3Event Horizon
Implies a significant, often inevitable event in the future.
All is calm now, but come the storm, we'll see who's really prepared.
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