English Reference
Idiom idiom

come alive


to become responsive and animated.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

The party really comes alive when the music starts.

CONTEXTUAL

The quiet city streets come alive at night with music, lights, and crowds of happy people.

COMPLEX

As the conductor raised his baton, the orchestra seemed to come alive, filling the grand hall with a powerful and emotional symphony.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    alive and kicking

    Healthy; vital; in good health, particularly in opposition to unfavorable circumstances.

  2. 02

    appetite comes with eating

    Starting an activity increases one's desire to continue it.

  3. 03

    as they come

    As it is possible to be.

  4. 04

    blow to kingdom come

    To totally destroy (something); to annihilate or wipe out (something).

  5. 05

    burn that bridge when one comes to it

    To anticipate dealing with a problem or situation either by acting in a manner that alienates or cuts ties with others, or merely with the expectation of encountering trouble.

  6. 06

    Christmas come early

    Something very delightful or fortunate that is happening or has happened, especially earlier than expected.

  7. 07

    come a cropper

    To suffer some accident or misfortune; to fail.

  8. 08

    come a long way

    To make significant progress.

Last updated August 10, 2026