Definition of 'come by'

Word Frequency

come by

phrasal verb

To come by something means to obtain it or find it.

How did you come by that cheque?

In rural France, English language magazines are rather hard to come by.

Synonyms: get, win, land [informal] , score [slang] More Synonyms of come by

come

Word Frequency

come by

verb

(intr, preposition)

to find or obtain (a thing), esp accidentally

do you ever come by any old books?

Word Frequency

come by in American English

to get; acquire; gain

2. US

to pay a visit

come

Example sentences containing 'come by'

With his lack of imagination, reasons would be hard to come by.

Kerr, Katharine A TIME OF WAR

Accommodation for men without money is harder to come by in this great city of ours.

Thomas, Rosie THE WHITE DOVE

Perhaps it would come by the time Max was out of hospital, by the time the house was packed up.

Appiganesi, Lisa DREAMS OF INNOCENCE

The Sandinistas aren't apt to come by for a visit unannounced.

Collins, Larry BLACK EAGLES (1993)

Trends of 'come by'

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Definition of come by from the Collins English Dictionary

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Definition of 'come by'

come by

come by

come by in American English

Example sentences containing 'come by'

Trends of 'come by'

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Nearby words of 'come by'

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