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come in handy
/kʌm ɪn ˈhændi/◆phrasal verb
be useful
I always keep a spare key in my bag—it might come in handy someday.
The spare key could prove useful in an unexpected situation.
informal
to be useful at some future time
This Swiss Army knife will come in handy when we go camping.
The knife will be useful during the camping trip.
Don’t throw away that old laptop—it might come in handy for parts.
The laptop could be useful for spare parts later.
Often implies unexpected or future utility rather than immediate need.
Collocations
come in really handyto be exceptionally usefulmight come in handycould be useful later
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid literal interpretation
Do not confuse this with physical actions like 'handing something in.' Focus on the future utility implied by the phrase.
Gold Rule
Future-oriented utility
The phrase always implies potential future usefulness, not immediate need.
Word Origin
The phrase combines 'come in' (to enter a state or place) with 'handy' (convenient or useful). The idiomatic use emerged in the early 20th century, evolving from the literal sense of something being within reach to its figurative meaning of practical utility.
Usage Notes
Used to describe objects, skills, or resources that may become valuable unexpectedly. Common in everyday speech and informal contexts.
Word Breakdown
come in
to enter a state or become available
phrasal verbhandy
convenient or useful
adjectiveEnglish Dictionary