SpeakUp

Meaning trap

come through

succeed in a difficult situation

to do what is needed or expected, especially when it is difficult or important.

phrasal verbB2common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

succeed in a difficult situation

to do what is needed or expected, especially when it is difficult or important.

come through (survive a difficult situation)

Another meaning of 'come through' is 'survive a difficult situation'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

View meaning map

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • I was really counting on my team, and they came through with a great presentation.work
  • In group projects, it's important to have members who always come through when things get tough.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: come through (for someone/in something)

WrongHe came through the project on time.

RightHe came through on the project. / He came through for us.

You 'come through for' someone or 'come through on' something — not 'come through' the thing directly.

Patterncome through (for someone/in something)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff Despite the pressure, she successfully delivered what was required.

Natural Under pressure, she really came through.

'Come through' captures delivering when it counts; the formal paraphrase is wordy and loses the warmth.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • come through (for/on)
    for mein the endfor the teamwhen it mattered

Don't confuse it

Different from 'come across', which means to seem or appear a certain way.

Try it in Daily Speak →