come in — be relevant
to become important, relevant, or applicable in a particular situation, especially when discussing how or when something starts to have an effect.
Say it like a native
Textbook At which point does my particular role become relevant in this process?
Native So where do I come in?
'Where do I come in?' is the natural way to ask about your role; the formal version is convoluted.
Pattern: come in (when/where/how)
In use
- This is where your previous experience really comes in, as it helps you handle unexpected challenges.discourse
- Critical thinking skills come in when students are required to evaluate conflicting sources of information.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ This is where experience comes in to it.
✓ This is where experience comes in.
'Come in' stands alone here ('this is where X comes in') — don't tack 'to it' on.
Common collocations
this is where ... comes in— where you come in, into play, is where, now
Don't confuse it
Unlike the B1 sense ('enter a place'), this sense is figurative and refers to relevance or importance, not physical movement. It is also distinct from the B2 sense ('become available'), as it focuses on when something starts to matter in a situation.
Related
- come in (enter (a place)) — 'come in' also has the more basic meaning 'enter (a place)'; this is the advanced sense.