ENGLISH
REFERENCE

come to papa

idiom
Meaning

Used to encourage someone or something to approach, or an event to occur.


Origin

disputed origin

PIE word *ph₂tḗr From come + to + papa (“familiar or old-fashioned term of address to one’s father”), originally an invitation by a father for his child to come to him; later called out by gamblers when throwing dice to “invite” winning numbers.

Examples
SIMPLE

I see the pizza delivery, come to papa!

CONTEXTUAL

When the rare book finally appeared at the auction, the collector whispered, come to papa.

COMPLEX

As the long-awaited promotion finally appeared on his desk, he smiled and thought, come to papa.

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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