Phrasal verb
come through
Meanings
to do what was needed or promised; to provide help or results at an important time
to arrive safely after a difficult or dangerous situation
to be received or become clear, especially for a phone call, message, or sound
Definition
To come through means to successfully do what was needed or promised, especially at a difficult moment.
When someone comes through, they deliver help, results, or support when it matters. It often suggests reliability after a delay, difficulty, or uncertainty. It can also mean arriving safely or becoming available, like a message or call reaching someone.
Examples
- I really needed a ride, and my sister came through at the last minute.
- You always come through when the team is under pressure.
- He came through with the missing documents before the meeting started.
- She got lost on the trail, but she came through safely before dark.
- They tried calling for an hour, and the message finally came through.
Common mistake
Learners often say "come through to" someone, but the natural pattern is usually "come through for" someone or "come through with" something.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.