sth comes in handy

The phrase sth comes in handy is often used in English, but what does this idiom mean? When idioms are used in the right situations, they strengthen communication and enrich the language. You can communicate more effectively by learning the meaning of sth comes in handy.

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."

From One Language to Another: Idioms in Translation

Translating idioms from one language to another can be a tricky task, as the cultural context behind an idiom can be difficult to capture. For example, the French phrase "avoir le cafard" translates to "to have the cockroach," which means to feel down or depressed. Similarly, the Chinese idiom "????" (j?ng d? zh? w?) translates to "frog at the bottom of a well," which refers to someone with a narrow view of the world.