ENGLISH
REFERENCE

come on

idiom
Meaning

To show sexual or relational interest through words or sometimes actions.


Examples
SIMPLE

He started to come on to her at the party.

CONTEXTUAL

I was surprised when my coworker began to come on to me during our lunch break.

COMPLEX

She felt deeply uncomfortable when the stranger at the bar began to come on to her with such persistent and unwanted intensity.

Anchors to
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

    blow to kingdom come

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

  4. 04

    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.

  5. 05

    Christmas come early

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

  6. 06

    come a cropper

    To suffer some accident or misfortune; to fail.

  7. 07

    come a long way

    To make significant progress.

  8. 08

    come again

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

Last updated April 17, 2026