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

“We also can’t get away from the fact that we need more good people to be interested in this job and to come on the job,” McDonnell said.

From Los Angeles Times

They come on when she starts thinking where she, her husband and two sons will live.

From Los Angeles Times

With Piece By Piece hitting cinemas this month, Neville told us about the film's unexpected genesis, how he convinced Lego to come on board, and the stars who had notes about their Lego minifigures.

From BBC

Morgan, 24, was named on the bench for the defeat against Fiji but made an impression when he came on in the second half.

From BBC

The news came on the same day Trump announced another political newcomer, billionaire Elon Musk, would take a government cost-cutting role.

From BBC

Related Words

• begin
• come across
• take place