Definition

Verb phrase: - To be useful or convenient for a particular situation or purpose. It describes something that proves to be unexpectedly or opportunely helpful when needed.

Usage

This phrase is used to state that an object, skill, or piece of information becomes useful in a specific circumstance. It often implies that the usefulness was anticipated or has been realized in a practical situation. It is commonly used in informal and conversational English.

Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Keep that multi-tool in your bag; it might come in handy during the trip.
  • Her ability to speak Spanish came in handy when they got lost in Madrid.
  • I never thought my old camping gear would come in handy, but we used it during the power outage.

Advanced Usage

• "to come in very handy": Emphasizes a high degree of usefulness.
  • A portable phone charger comes in very handy at music festivals.
• Used in conditional or speculative contexts to suggest potential future usefulness.
  • Save those leftover containers; they could come in handy for storing food.

Variants and Related Words

• Prove useful: A more formal alternative with a similar meaning.
• Serve a purpose: Indicates functionality for a specific need.
• Be of use: A straightforward phrase meaning to be useful.

Synonyms

• Be useful
• Be helpful
• Be convenient
• Come in useful (a close variant)

Related Idioms

• Worth its weight in gold: While not a direct synonym, this idiom describes something extremely valuable and useful, often in a way that "comes in handy."
  • In this old house, a good flashlight is worth its weight in gold.

Verb

1. be useful for a certain purpose