Johnny-come-lately

Or John·nie-come-late·ly

[jon-ee-kuhm-leyt-lee]

noun

plural

Johnny-come-latelies, Johnnies-come-lately 

1. a late arrival or participant; newcomer.

   the Johnny-come-latelies producing space-war films after the trend had ended.

Johnny-come-lately

noun

1. a brash newcomer, novice, or recruit

Word History and Origins

Origin of Johnny-come-lately¹

First recorded in 1825–35; from the proper name Johnny

Idioms and Phrases

A newcomer, as in She may be a Johnny-come-lately on the board, but she's doing a fine job with publicity. [1830s]

Related Words

• beginner 
• immigrant 
• neophyte 
• novice 
• rookie