ENGLISH
REFERENCE

come in handy

idiom
Meaning

To prove to be useful or helpful.


Examples
SIMPLE

Keep that map, it might come in handy later.

CONTEXTUAL

I learned how to fix a leaky pipe last year, and that skill really came in handy when my sink broke yesterday.

COMPLEX

Although he initially dismissed the old manual as outdated, he soon realized the technical diagrams would come in handy during the complex repair process.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as they come

    As it is possible to be.

  2. 02

    blow to kingdom come

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

  3. 03

    Christmas come early

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

  4. 04

    come a cropper

    To suffer some accident or misfortune; to fail.

  5. 05

    come a long way

    To make significant progress.

  6. 06

    come again

    A polite formula used when one has not heard or understood what has been said, or to indicate surprise.

  7. 07

    come alive

    to become responsive and animated.

  8. 08

    come along

    To arise, appear (make an appearance), come into being.

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