Come what may

Meaning

The idiom "come what may" means that whatever happens, it is accepted and dealt with as it occurs. It suggests a sense of resignation or acceptance of whatever fate has in store, regardless of whether it is good or bad. In contemporary language, the phrase is often used to express a nonchalant attitude towards potential outcomes.

Usage

• "I'm going to take the job offer, come what may. I need the income and it's a great opportunity."
• "We'll see what happens, come what may. We don't know how things will go in this new project."
• "He was upset about the breakup, but he accepted that it happened, come what may."
• "I'm happy to be here, come what may. I love my job and the people I work with."
• "We're going on the trip regardless of the weather. Come what may, we'll have fun."

Roots and History

The phrase "come what may" is believed to have originated from the 16th century Middle English phrase "comen a mayd". This referred to the arrival of May Day, which was often celebrated with bonfires and festivities. It suggested that whatever happened on this day would be accepted and dealt with as it occurred. Over time, the phrase evolved to mean whatever happens in general and is now commonly used in modern language.

Synonyms in English

• Whatever will be, will be.
• Let what may come, come.
• Regardless of what happens.
• No matter what.
• Come hell or high water.

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish - "Qué pasa" (What happens?)
• French - "Qui sait?" (Who knows?)
• German - "Wie es ist, ist es" (As it is, it is)
• Italian - "Chi sa dove andremo?" (Who knows where we're going?)
• Japanese - "どうぞ？" (So, what?)

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