What does “Come to grips” mean?
"Come to grips" means to understand or deal with something difficult or challenging.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After months of studying, I finally came to grips with the complex math problem.
Example
It took me a while to come to grips with the loss of my loved one.
Example
She struggled to come to grips with the sudden change in her career
Is “Come to grips” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Come to grips” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Come to grips” effectively in context?
You can use "Come to grips" when you want to express the idea of understanding or dealing with something difficult or challenging. It implies a process of coming to terms with a situation or problem. For example, if someone is struggling to understand a complex concept, you might say, 'Don't worry, with time and practice, you'll eventually come to grips with it.'
- 1Academic
After months of studying, I finally came to grips with the complex math problem.
- 2Emotional
It took me a while to come to grips with the loss of my loved one.
- 3Career
She struggled to come to grips with the sudden change in her career.
Similar phrases to “Come to grips”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Come to grips” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Come to grips" is unknown.
Is “Come to grips” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Come to grips" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe their process of understanding or accepting something challenging.
What tone does “Come to grips” have?
"Come to grips" conveys a tone of acknowledgement and acceptance. It suggests that the speaker recognizes the difficulty of the situation and encourages the listener to confront it.
Can “Come to grips” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Come to grips" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of understanding or dealing with difficult situations. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I finally came to grips with the reality of the situation.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "come to grips"!' to imply readiness to face a challenge.