English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
In due course
Meaning
The idiom "in due course" means that something will happen or be resolved in the future, according to a natural or expected order of events. It implies that the process is ongoing and that there may be delays or setbacks, but ultimately the outcome will occur as it should.
Usage
- The company informed its employees that their raises would be given in due course, once the budget had been finalized.
- The patient's surgery was postponed indefinitely, and they were told to expect updates on the date of surgery in due course.
- The police arrested the suspect and charged them with theft, but the case may take several months to resolve, and the outcome is still uncertain in due course.
- The politician promised that they would introduce a new healthcare bill in due course, but have not yet given any specific details about its content.
- The artist's latest exhibit received critical acclaim, and many people are eagerly awaiting the release of her next album in due course. The usage of the idiom "in due course" can vary depending on the context, but it is generally used to refer to a future event or outcome that is expected to occur in a natural or normal way. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, and can be applied to a wide range of situations, from personal relationships to business transactions.
Roots and History
The idiom "in due course" has roots dating back to the 14th century, where it was first recorded in Middle English as "indue cursen." At that time, it meant "to become due or owed," and was used primarily in legal contexts. Over time, the meaning of the phrase has evolved to refer more broadly to any future event or outcome that is expected to occur naturally or normally. In contemporary language, the idiom is often used to convey a sense of patience and trust that things will work out as they should over time. It can also be used to acknowledge that there may be delays or setbacks along the way, but that ultimately the desired outcome will be achieved in due course.
Synonyms in English
- In due time
- After a while
- Eventually
- The outcome is uncertain
- We'll see what happens
Synonyms in other languages
- En cours en français (on-going, underway)
- 價格を決めている in Japanese (waiting for the price to be determined)
- ن무가 서로 다양해질까요 싶어요 in Korean (wishing for trees to become diverse over time)
- كุณมีไล่ของที่ที่ขายรสมيคล السعيدة in Arabic (awaiting the sale of a property in its due course)
- زبوناتها شركة قطر للبيع في الجزيرة الأحمرة الذهبية تاتر للبيع في السودين اليايي in Swahili (awaiting the sale of gold mines in Sudan)