ENGLISH
REFERENCE

this is where we came in

idiom
Meaning

Said of a situation which has become repetitive.


Origin

disputed origin

Originally said in early movie theatres, when the custom was not to come in at a set showtime, but rather at any point during a repeating bill of short features, staying until one had viewed the whole bill up to the point that had been playing when one came in.

Examples
SIMPLE

We are arguing about the same thing again; this is where we came in.

CONTEXTUAL

After listening to the committee repeat the same complaints for an hour, I realized this is where we came in.

COMPLEX

As the debate circled back to the exact same points raised at the start of the session, the chairman sighed, noting that this is where we came in.

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