"Come in handy" is an idiom that means that something is useful or convenient for a particular situation or purpose. It can also mean that something will likely be needed or helpful.

In short:

• "Come in handy" means that something is useful or convenient for a certain situation or purpose.
• It can also mean that something is likely to be needed or helpful in the future.

What Does "Come in Handy" Mean?

"Come in handy" is a phrase that implies that something is practical or beneficial for a particular circumstance or goal. It can also suggest that something will probably be required or advantageous.

Where Does "Come in Handy" Come From?

The origin and history of the idiom "come in handy" are unclear. However, some sources suggest that it may have originated from the nautical term "handy," which means easy to handle or maneuver. It is possible that the expression "come in handy" evolved from this marine usage. The idea is that something easy to drive or maneuver can also be useful or convenient for a specific situation or purpose.

Historical Example

One of the earliest recorded uses of the expression "come in handy" is from an 1845 novel by Charles Dickens called The Cricket on the Hearth. In this novel, Dickens wrote:

"Now, I take this little bit of paper, and I fold it so; and I put it in the book—so—leaving a small piece out, to make it easy to find; and I pencil on that small piece, 'Come in handy'; don't I?"

10 Examples of "Come in Handy" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use the idiom in different sentences:

• No diggity. He is a jack of all trades. His skills come in handy for many jobs.
• She is very good at math. Real talk: Her ability comes in handy for solving puzzles.
• He always keeps some spare change in his car. It comes in handy for parking meters.
• She learned about the guitar when she was young. It came in handy in her music class.
• He always has some snacks in his backpack. They come in handy when he gets hungry.
• Yaas! She was glad that she had studied French at school. It came in handy when she visited Paris.
• He saved some of his old textbooks from college. They came in handy when he had to write for work.
• No worries. She is very friendly and pleasant. Her personality comes in handy for making new friends.
• Fret not. I bought some extra batteries for the flashlight. They will come in handy if the power goes out.
• Pro tip: You should always carry a Swiss army knife with you. It might come in handy for various situations.

Examples of "Come in Handy" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of how this idiom has been used in various forms of pop culture:

• In Friends (1994-2004), Joey Tribbiani tells Chandler Bing: "You don't own a TV? What's all your furniture pointed at?" He then suggests that Chandler should buy a TV from him. He says: "I got two words for you: mini-fridge. It's like a fridge, but smaller. It holds six cans of soda, three yogurts, and a bottle opener on the door. Trust me, it'll come in handy."
• In the movie Home Alone (1990), Kevin McCallister says to himself: "This is my house. I have to defend it." He then uses various household items to set up traps for the burglars who try to break into his house. These items come in handy for Kevin to protect himself and his home.
• In the book Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (1997), Harry Potter receives an invisibility cloak as a Christmas gift from an anonymous sender. The note attached to the veil says: "Your father left this in my possession before he died. It is time it was returned to you. Use it well." Harry later uses the cloak to sneak around Hogwarts and discover its secrets. The veil comes in handy for Harry to explore the magical world and avoid trouble.

Other/Different Ways to Say "Come in Handy"

Here are some synonyms or alternative expressions for this idiom:

• To be useful
• To be helpful
• To be valuable
• To come in use
• To be beneficial
• To be convenient
• To come in useful
• To come in good stead

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Come in Handy"

Here are some common questions and answers about the idiom:

• What does "come in handy" mean?

"Come in handy" is an idiom that means that something is useful or convenient for a particular situation or purpose. It can also mean that something will likely be needed or helpful.

• What is the origin of the phrase "come in handy"?

The origin and history of the idiom "come in handy" are unclear. However, some sources suggest that it may have originated from the nautical term "handy," which means easy to handle or maneuver. It is possible that the expression "come in handy" evolved from this marine usage. The idea is that something easy to drive or maneuver can also be useful or convenient for a specific situation or purpose.

• What is the difference between "come in handy" and "come in useful"?

There is no significant difference between these two expressions. They both mean helpful something or convenient for a particular situation or purpose. However, "come in handy" is more informal and everyday than "come in useful."

• Is "come in handy" an adjective?
  

No, "come in handy" is not an adjective. It is a verb phrase that consists of three words: the verb "come," the preposition "in," and the adjective "handy." The term acts as a predicate that describes the subject of the sentence.

• How do you use "come in handy" in a sentence?

You can use "come in handy" in a sentence by following this structure: Subject + Verb + Object + Come in handy + (for/in/on/at/with) + Situation/Purpose.

• Can you use "come in handy" in the past tense?

Yes, you can use "come in handy" in the past tense by changing the verb "come" to its past form "came."

• Can you use "come in handy" in the future tense?

Yes, you can use "come in handy" in the future tense by adding a modal verb such as will, would, can, could, may, or might before the verb "come."

• Can you use "come in handy" with people?

Yes, you can use "come in handy" with people by using their names or pronouns as the subject of the sentence.

• What are some antonyms of "come in handy"?

Some antonyms of "come in handy" are "to be useless," "to be inconvenient," and "to be harmful."

• How do you say "come in handy" in other languages?

In Spanish: Ser útil or Venir bien
In French: Être utile or S’avérer utile
In German: Nützlich sein or Gelegen kommen
In Italian: Essere utile or Tornare utile

Final Thoughts About "Come in Handy"

The idiom "come in handy" is a common and helpful expression in English. It means something useful or convenient for a particular situation or purpose. It can also mean that something will likely be needed or helpful.

Here are some key points to remember about the idiom:

• The idiom can be used in different tenses, such as present, past, or future.
• Different prepositions can follow the phrase, such as for, in, on, at, or with.
• The idiom can be used with different subjects, such as objects, skills, people, or information.
• The idiom can be used with different verbs, such as will, would, can, could, may, might, or did.