come in handy/useful
come in handy
To be especially useful, often in a particular setting or situation. It was a lot colder out than I thought it would be, so your jacket really came in handy! That flashlight comes in handy when I'm trying to find something in my car at night.
come in useful
To be especially helpful, often in a particular setting or situation. It was a lot colder out than I thought it would be, so your jacket really came in useful! That flashlight comes in useful when I'm trying to find something in my car at night.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
come in handy
[for something] to be useful. I think that this gadget will come in handy in the kitchen.
come in useful
to be useful. Your report has come in useful a number of times.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
come in handy
Be useful or convenient, as in This check will really come in handy. [Mid-1800s] Also see come in, def. 4.
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.
ˌcome in ˈhandy/ˈuseful
(informal) be useful when needed: The money my aunt gave me will come in handy to pay for my music lessons.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017