THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Come to light
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To become known after previously being hidden or unknown.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- A mistake in the timetable came to light during the final review.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?
To become known after previously being hidden or unknown.
Show the answer
Come to light — To become known after previously being hidden or unknown.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Come to light” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
To become known after previously being hidden or unknown.
Compare: A mistake in the timetable came to light during the final review.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this expression when information, a fact or an issue is discovered or becomes known. It suits both conversation and more formal reports.
More examples in context
- New details may come to light when we compare the original notes.
- The missing payment came to light while the club was checking its records.
Usage note
The past form is came to light; the present perfect is has come to light. The fact or information is the subject: an error came to light. The expression does not necessarily imply deliberate concealment.
A short conversation
A: Why did the dates change?
B: An error came to light when we checked the original booking.
A: Thanks for explaining the correction.
One more practice question
What has happened when a previously unknown error comes to light?
A. The error has become known.
B. The error has automatically been fully repaired.
Check your answer
A. Coming to light means becoming known. Repairing it is a separate step.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.