come across

British  

verb

1. (preposition) to meet or find by accident

2. (adverb) (of a person or his or her words) to communicate the intended meaning or impression

3. (often foll by with) to provide what is expected

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come across Idioms  

1. Also, come upon ; run across . Meet or find by chance, as in I came across your old letters today , or He came upon her looking in the store window . or If I run across it, I'll call you . The first term dates from the 1800s. The first variant was used by Oliver Goldsmith in She Stoops to Conquer (1773): “You are to go sideways till you come upon Crack-Skull Common.” The second variant was used by Mark Twain in Tramp Abroad (1880): “If I don't run across you in Italy, you hunt me up in London.”

2. Also, come across with . Pay or give what is expected or demanded, as in He finally came across with some food , or The landlord wants the rent, so come across . [ Colloquial ; late 1800s]

3. Make a particular impression, as in He comes across as a very sincere person or Her meaning doesn't really come across; she'll have to revise the speech . [ Colloquial ; first half of 1900s] Also see get across ; put across .

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Example Sentences

The Citizens National Bank of Wolf Point passed out fans with a slogan printed on one side: Come across or the Kaiser will.

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson

"Come across to the hotel with me," she begged, forgetful of everything except her own immense relief.

From Mr. Grex of Monte Carlo by Grefé, Will

"Come across with what Echochee said," I told him.

From Wings of the Wind by Harris, Credo Fitch

"Come across with them— right soon, old hoss!"

From Boy Scouts on Motorcycles With the Flying Squadron by Ralphson, G. Harvey (George Harvey)

"Come across, you three fellows," laughed young Prescott, when the enemy had vanished in flight.

From The High School Boys' Training Hike by Hancock, H. Irving (Harrie Irving)

Related Words

• bump into
• discover
• notice
• stumble upon
• uncover
• unearth