English Reference
Idiom idiom

come forward


To offer help or information, especially about a crime.

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


SIMPLE

Please come forward if you saw the accident.

CONTEXTUAL

The police asked any witnesses to come forward with information about the robbery.

COMPLEX

Despite the risk of public scrutiny, the whistleblower decided to come forward and expose the corruption within the organization.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    appetite comes with eating

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

  2. 02

    as they come

    As it is possible to be.

  3. 03

    backwards and forwards

    Thoroughly; completely, comprehensively.

  4. 04

    blow to kingdom come

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

  5. 05

    bring forward

    To call up for consideration.

  6. 06

    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.

  7. 07

    carry forward

    To transfer to a new page, column, ledger, or similar entity.

  8. 08

    Christmas come early

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

Last updated August 10, 2026