ENGLISH
REFERENCE

come out

idiom
Meaning

To come out of the closet.


Examples
SIMPLE

He finally felt ready to come out to his family.

CONTEXTUAL

After years of hiding his true self, he decided it was time to come out to his closest friends.

COMPLEX

Choosing to come out was a profound turning point that allowed him to live with complete authenticity and find peace within his community.

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