come to time en · VERB
Etymology
The expression was used in prizefighting (boxing).
Meanings
-
(dated) To come forward in order to resume the contest when the interval allowed for rest is over and time is called.
We fights for ten minutes or so, and then I hits him a round blow on the ear, and he falls down on the hard, and couldn't come to time. No wonder, poor fellow ! for he had gone to eternity.
1834, Frederick Marryat, Jacob Faithful:
- (idiomatic) To maintain an appointment; to meet expectations.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| comes to time | Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres | lexicographic | |
| came to time | Tense=Past | lexicographic | |
| come to time | Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| coming to time | Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic |