ENGLISH
REFERENCE

come with the territory

idiom
Meaning

To be a common, and often inconvenient, accompaniment of an occupation, situation, or occurrence.


Origin

disputed origin

Probably an allusion to the territory assigned to a travelling salesman.

Examples
SIMPLE

Long hours come with the territory in this job.

CONTEXTUAL

Dealing with angry customers is unpleasant, but it comes with the territory when you work in retail.

COMPLEX

While the fame and public adoration were rewarding, the constant lack of privacy was a burden that inevitably came with the territory of being a world-renowned artist.

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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