come-on

[ kuhm-on, -awn ]

noun

, Slang.

1. inducement; lure.

come on

verb

1. (of power, a water supply, etc) to become available; start running or functioning
2. to make or show progress; develop

   my plants are coming on nicely

3. to advance, esp in battle
4. to begin

   a new bowler has come on

   she felt a cold coming on

5. theatre to make an entrance on stage
6. to be considered, esp in a court of law
7. preposition See come upon
8. come on!
   1. hurry up!
   2. cheer up! pull yourself together!
   3. make an effort!
   4. don't exaggerate! stick to the facts!
9. to attempt to give a specified impression

   he came on like a hard man

10. come on strong
    to make a forceful or exaggerated impression
11. come on to informal.
    to make sexual advances to

noun

1. informal.
   anything that serves as a lure or enticement

Word History and Origins

Origin of come-on¹

1895–1900, Americanism; noun use of verb phrase come on

Example Sentences

But “Fumbling” is also home to one of McLachlan’s lightest tunes in “Ice Cream,” a flirty come-on that compares a lover to that frozen dessert.

From Los Angeles Times

“Lick my legs, I’m on fire / Lick my legs of desire,” Harvey shrieks without accompaniment to end this pile-driving blues-punk come-on — perhaps her most unflinching vocal performance in a career overflowing with them.

From Los Angeles Times

When you use Facebook Messenger these days, a new prompt greets you with this come-on: “Ask Meta AI anything.”

From Los Angeles Times

“An American in Paris”: “It’s jet-propelled New Year’s Eve and everyone in Paris will be there,” says Gene Kelly to Nina Foch — well, who could resist a come-on like that?

From Seattle Times

This advertising come-on makes you think you are getting a good deal, but you pay for the product and receive the rebate only after the purchase is complete.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• begin
• come across
• take place