come by

come by (some place)

to stop some place for a visit. Can you come by our place for a few minutes on the way home? Please come by sometime.

See also: come

come by something 

1. Lit. to travel by a specific means, such as a plane, a boat, or a car. We came by train. It's more relaxing. Next time, we'll come by plane. It's faster.

2. Fig. to find or get something. How did you come by that haircut? Where did you come by that new shirt?

See also: come

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come by (something)

1. to obtain money, wealth, or goods Mitchell had acquired some wealth, although whether he came by it honestly or dishonestly is not clear.

Usage notes: often used in the form hard to come by: Fresh meat and fish were hard to come by.

2. to learn a skill I had to work hard to learn to skate. I didn't come by it easily.

See also: come