Johnny-come-lately
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of Johnny-come-lately
First recorded in 1825–35; from the proper name Johnny
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Given he’s been a megawatt star for more than half a century, it’s odd to think that Rod Stewart has opinions on anything as Johnny-come-lately as the Department of Government Efficiency.
From Salon • Jun. 29, 2025
“King salmon is a Johnny-come-lately that came into this race only after king crab left—died.”
From Slate • Sep. 18, 2022
Why is it so challenging for fashion to take the lead? Why does this feel like a Johnny-come-lately decision to denounce reprehensible behavior — not because the behavior is inherently awful, but because it’s no longer cool?
From Washington Post • Oct. 24, 2017
In activewear — among the few strong-performing categories in the anemic apparel sector — J. Crew would appear to be a Johnny-come-lately.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 11, 2016
We are all young men compared with Loony Honeycutt, all Johnny-come-lately youngsters.
From The Everlasting Whisper by Gregory, Jackson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
