THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Come in handy
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To be useful when needed.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- Keep the spare cable; it may come in handy during the workshop.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
0 of 1 checked correctly
Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
Keep the spare cable; it may ________ during the workshop.
Show the answer
Come in handy — To be useful when needed.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Come in handy” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
To be useful when needed.
Compare: Keep the spare cable; it may come in handy during the workshop.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.
This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.
GO DEEPER
More ways to understand and use it
Jump to a section
When to use it
Use it informally when keeping, offering or describing an item or skill that helps in a practical situation.
More examples in context
- Her basic sewing skills came in handy when the costume tore.
- These small boxes will come in handy for storing the labels.
Usage note
Use came in handy for the past. You do not need an article after in: say come in handy, not come in a handy.
A short conversation
A: Do you want these spare clips?
B: Yes, they will come in handy for holding the display cards.
A: I will leave them in the supply box.
One more practice question
What does “This torch may come in handy” mean?
A. The torch may prove useful.
B. The torch is certain to be useless.
Check your answer
A. The expression describes practical usefulness.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.