come at (someone or something)
(redirected from come at one)come at (someone or something)
1. To approach an issue or situation. I think we should start over because we've been coming at this problem all wrong. If you want to get anything done today, you have to come at these negotiations with flexibility and an open mind. Let's get Matt in here—he always comes at problems with creative solutions.
2. To move toward someone or something in an aggressive or hostile manner. You can't come at a cat like that, or you'll scare it off. I was walking home when this guy came at me out of nowhere asking for bus fare. If an angry drunk guy comes at you, best to just get out of the way!
3. To pelt or barrage someone with something. When I tried to break up the food fight, snacks and drinks came at me from all directions. The kids were so excited about the project that the ideas came at me all morning. Now that I run the employment team, questions come at me all day long.
4. To achieve or attain something. She can come at this scholarship with good grades and hard work. Frankie's the boss's favorite, so none of the rest of us will be able to come at the promotion. What do I have to do to come at this great opportunity?
5. To agree or consent to something. Primarily heard in Australia. I had wanted to work from home, but my boss wouldn't come at it. The opposition won't come at our proposal, but they have nothing to offer of their own. I can't go with you guys because my mom refuses to come at a curfew later than 10:00 PM.
See also: come
come at me
slang A phrase used to indicate that one will fight or argue about something if someone else initiates the conflict. This is the best movie of all time. Come at me. A: "Come at me then!" B: "Whoa, OK, I don't think you two need to get into a barroom brawl over this." Anyone who disagrees with me about this can come at me!
See also: come
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
come at someone or something
1. to make a threatening move toward someone or something. The gorilla came at the cage and shook the bars. Walter came at the cake as if he were going to snatch the whole thing.
2. to attack someone or something. The elephant came at us and we moved away. The cat came at the mouse and pounced on it.
See also: come
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
come at
1. Get hold of, attain, as in You can come at a classical education with diligent study. [Mid-1800s]
2. Rush at, make for, attack, as in They came at him in full fore. [Mid-1600s]
See also: come
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
come at
v.
1. To approach or address something, especially some situation or problem: This is a difficult problem, but we all came at it with interesting ideas.
2. To bombard or assail someone repeatedly or persistently: Questions came at the mayor one after the other, but she answered them all confidently.
3. To rush at someone, especially to attack: They came at me with knives, so I ran away.
See also: come
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.