where (one) is coming from

where (one) is coming from

One's motivation or reason for doing something or holding some position or opinion. The phrase indicates that one understands the circumstances that led one to an action or opinion. Look, I understand where you're coming from—and I kind of agree with you—but rules are rules, and I can't let you do that. If Gina would explain her situation a little better, I think they'd see where she's coming from.

See also: coming

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

where one is coming from

one's point of view. I think I know what you mean. I know where you're coming from. Man, you don't know where I'm coming from! You don't understand a single word I say.

See also: coming, one

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

where one is coming from

What one means, from one's point of view, based on one's background or prior experience. For example, I don't believe in capital punishment, but as a pacifist you know where I'm coming from . [Second half of 1900s]

See also: coming, one

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.

where someone is coming from

someone's meaning, motivation, or personality. informal

See also: coming, someone

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

where somebody is ˈcoming from

(informal, spoken) somebody’s ideas, beliefs, personality, etc. that makes them say what they have said: I see where you’re coming from (= I understand what you mean).

See also: coming, somebody

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017