sth comes in handy

sth comes in handy is an idiom used by many writers. When idioms are used in the right place, they open the doors of effective communication and increase your descriptive power. In this way, you will be better understood. The meaning of the expression sth comes in handy is also remarkable in this respect.

Meaning of "sth comes in handy"

Meaning

The phrase "sth comes in handy" is an idiom that is used to describe a situation where something is useful or beneficial in an unexpected and convenient way. It is used to express appreciation or relief when something turns out to be of help to a person in need. When someone uses this idiom, they are indicating that the particular object or situation is being used to their advantage. The expression is also used to suggest that a person is better off or in a better position because of the particular object or situation.

Etymology

The phrase "sth comes in handy" can be traced back to the early 1800's when it was first recorded in a British journal on May 18th, 1827. It was used to refer to the idea of something being of use or advantage to someone. The phrase has been in common usage since then and has been used in a variety of contexts to refer to situations in which something is of value, use or help to someone.

Usage

The phrase "sth comes in handy" is often used to refer to an object or situation that is unexpectedly useful or of help to someone. It can be used both literally and figuratively. For example, a person might use the phrase to refer to a tool they have that is useful for a particular job, or they might use it to refer to a skill they have that becomes useful in a certain situation. It can also be used to refer to someone who provides assistance or help in a difficult situation. The phrase can be used in both informal and formal contexts.

Example Sentences

• "My spare phone charger came in handy when my battery was running low."
• "Having a work colleague who is familiar with accounting software came in handy when I had to set up the system for the company."
• "Having a friend who knows the area well came in handy when we got lost in the city."
• "I was glad I had a spare umbrella when it started to rain, it came in handy."

The Surprising Origins of Everyday English Idioms

Many English idioms have surprisingly dark origins, often rooted in violence, death, and superstition. For instance, the phrase "raining cats and dogs" is said to have originated in the 17th century, when heavy rain would often cause dead animals to wash up on the streets. Meanwhile, the idiom "rule of thumb" is believed to have originated from a law that allowed men to beat their wives with a stick no thicker than their thumb.