ENGLISH
REFERENCE

come up

idiom
Meaning

To emerge or become known, especially unexpectedly.


Examples
SIMPLE

Something important has come up at work.

CONTEXTUAL

I wanted to meet for coffee, but a problem came up that I need to fix immediately.

COMPLEX

Although the project seemed straightforward, several unforeseen complications came up during the final phase, forcing the team to delay the launch.

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