come forward
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come forward
1. To move toward a point of congregation; to step forward. Anyone involved in the ceremony may come forward at this time. Any passengers in boarding section B may now come forward. The principal motioned for us to come forward and accept our awards.
2. To share information, often in court or otherwise regarding a wrongdoing. Will the first witness please come forward? The police are asking anyone with more information on the crime to come forward. But if I come forward, they'll think I had something to do with the kidnapping!
3. To present oneself to offer help. Luckily, an audience member came forward to help me with the microphone. Two of the passengers were nurses, thank goodness, and they came forward to tend to the man who had collapsed. Don't worry, if you can't get the lighter to work during the candle lighting ceremony, one of the teachers will come forward to help.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
come forward (with something)
to bring something, such as information, to someone's attention. Colleen came forward with a new idea. I hope you each can come forward with something useful.
come forward
1. Lit. to move oneself forward. come forward and stand before the whole class.
2. Fig. to present oneself to offer evidence in court voluntarily. Why did you not come forward earlier in the trial? I was afraid to come forward during the trial.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
come forward
Present oneself, offer one's services, as in The boss asked for more help, but no one was inclined to come forward. [Early 1800s]
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 forward
v.
1. To step out and present oneself: The teacher asked the three boys to come forward and receive their award.
2. To offer information or assistance: After the fire, several families came forward with some money for the victims.
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.