Definition

1. Verb (intransitive):

   • To succeed or achieve a desired goal, especially after difficulty or challenge: This meaning emphasizes successfully reaching an objective, often implying a struggle or test.
   • To survive or endure (an adversity, crisis, or difficult period): This meaning focuses on continuing to exist or function after a serious problem or threat.
   • To be communicated or received clearly and effectively: This meaning describes a message, signal, or quality that is successfully transmitted and understood.

2. Verb (transitive, less common):

   • To penetrate or pass through a barrier: This meaning describes physically moving through an obstruction.

Usage and Examples

• Intransitive Verb (Succeed/Endure):

  • Despite the tough competition, she came through and won the championship.
  • It was a terrible storm, but the old oak tree came through undamaged.
  • We weren't sure if he would recover, but his strength came through in the end.

• Intransitive Verb (Be Communicated/Received):

  • His passion for the subject comes through in every lecture he gives.
  • The radio signal was weak, but the distress call came through clearly.
  • Her kindness really comes through when you talk to her.

• Transitive Verb (Penetrate):

  • The roots finally came through the concrete sidewalk.
  • Sunlight came through the stained-glass window, coloring the floor.

Advanced Usage

• "to come through for someone": To provide help or support to someone, especially when it is needed or when they are depending on you.

  • I knew I could count on you; you always come through for me in a crisis.
  • The community came through for the family after the fire.

• "to come through with something": To provide or produce something that is needed or promised, often at a crucial moment.

  • We needed funding, and the investor came through with the capital at the last minute.
  • He promised tickets and he came through with them.

Variants and Related Words

• Come-through (noun, informal): A success, especially a narrow one.
  • Winning that game was a real come-through for our team.
• Through (preposition/adverb): From one side or end to the other; finished.
• Break through (phrasal verb): To force a way through a barrier; to make a significant advance.

Synonyms

• Succeed: To accomplish what is attempted or intended.
• Prevail: To prove more powerful or superior; to be victorious.
• Survive: To continue to live or exist, especially in spite of danger or hardship.
• Emerge: To become visible or known, often after being hidden.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Come across: To find or encounter something by chance; to be perceived in a particular way.
  • I came across an old photo album in the attic.
  • He comes across as very confident.
• Come over: To visit someone's house; to be affected by a sudden feeling.
  • Why don't you come over for dinner?
  • A wave of nausea came over her.

Related Idioms

• Come through the ranks: To advance to a high position by starting at a lower level and gaining experience.
  • The new manager came through the ranks, having started as an intern.
• Come through with flying colors: To succeed very easily or with an outstanding result.
  • She came through her final exams with flying colors.

Verb

1. attain success or reach a desired goal
   • The enterprise succeeded
   • We succeeded in getting tickets to the show
   • she struggled to overcome her handicap and won
2. continue in existence after (an adversity, etc.)
   • He survived the cancer against all odds
3. succeed in reaching a real or abstract destination after overcoming problems
   • We finally got through the bureaucracy and could talk to the Minister
4. penetrate
   • The sun broke through the clouds
   • The rescue team broke through the wall in the mine shaft