come around
يتقبل
Littéralement: to move in a circular path to a specific location
Use it when someone finally accepts your idea after being stubborn or hesitant for a while.
En 15 secondes
- Changing an opinion after some time.
- Accepting an idea you previously disliked.
- A gradual shift from disagreement to agreement.
Signification
When someone finally changes their mind or accepts an idea they didn't like at first. It's that 'aha' moment when they stop resisting and agree with you.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Talking about a skeptical parent
My mom didn't like my career choice, but she's starting to come around.
My mom is starting to accept my career choice.
A business meeting about a new strategy
The board was hesitant, but they'll come around once they see the profits.
The board will eventually accept the plan.
Texting a friend about a stubborn mutual friend
Don't worry about Dave; he'll come around to the idea of a road trip.
Dave will eventually agree to the road trip.
Contexte culturel
The phrase reflects a Western cultural preference for gradual persuasion over forced compliance. It gained popularity in the 19th century and is often used in literature to describe a character's emotional growth or softening of a rigid stance.
The 'To' Rule
If you mention the specific idea someone is accepting, always use 'to'. Example: 'He came around *to* the idea.'
Don't confuse with 'Come Over'
'Come over' means to visit someone's house. If you say 'He came over,' people think he is at your door!
En 15 secondes
- Changing an opinion after some time.
- Accepting an idea you previously disliked.
- A gradual shift from disagreement to agreement.
What It Means
Come around is all about the journey of a person's opinion. Imagine someone standing on the opposite side of a circle from you. They have a different view. Eventually, they walk around that circle to join your side. They haven't just changed their mind; they have accepted your perspective. It usually takes time and a bit of patience. It is not an instant 'yes.' It is a slow, gradual shift from 'no' to 'okay, fine.'
How To Use It
You use this phrase when talking about people who are stubborn. You don't 'come around' to a sandwich; you come around to an idea, a person, or a plan. The grammar is simple. You can say 'They will come around' or 'They will come around to the idea.' It works as a phrasal verb that doesn't need an object, but it loves the preposition to if you want to be specific. Just remember: the person is the subject.
When To Use It
Use it when you are waiting for someone to agree. It’s perfect for family debates. Maybe your dad hates your new tattoo? He’ll come around. Use it at work when a boss is unsure about a new project. It’s great for talking about long-term changes in attitude. It feels hopeful and optimistic. It implies that your way of thinking is the right one in the end.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for quick decisions. If someone chooses chocolate over vanilla, they didn't come around. That’s just a choice. Also, avoid it in very high-stakes legal or medical settings. It’s a bit too casual for a courtroom. Don't use it if someone is forced to change their mind. Come around implies a natural, voluntary change of heart. If you bully someone into agreeing, they didn't come around—they gave in.
Cultural Background
English speakers value the idea of 'winning someone over.' We don't like to feel like we are losing an argument. Come around makes the change of mind sound like a natural evolution. It’s very common in British and American sitcoms. Think of the grumpy character who eventually likes the protagonist. That’s the classic come around arc. It suggests that time heals all disagreements.
Common Variations
You might hear come round in British English. It means the exact same thing. Sometimes people say bring someone around. This means you are the one doing the convincing. You are pulling them toward your side of the circle. Another variation is come around meaning to regain consciousness, but that’s a totally different physical situation!
Notes d'usage
The phrase is highly versatile and sits comfortably between informal and neutral registers. Be careful not to use it if the person was forced to change their mind, as it implies a voluntary shift.
The 'To' Rule
If you mention the specific idea someone is accepting, always use 'to'. Example: 'He came around *to* the idea.'
Don't confuse with 'Come Over'
'Come over' means to visit someone's house. If you say 'He came over,' people think he is at your door!
British vs American
In the UK, you'll often hear 'come round' (dropping the 'a'). It sounds slightly more cozy and informal to British ears.
Exemples
6My mom didn't like my career choice, but she's starting to come around.
My mom is starting to accept my career choice.
Shows a gradual change in a personal relationship.
The board was hesitant, but they'll come around once they see the profits.
The board will eventually accept the plan.
Used to predict future agreement in a professional setting.
Don't worry about Dave; he'll come around to the idea of a road trip.
Dave will eventually agree to the road trip.
Casual and reassuring tone.
It took twenty years, but my cat finally came around to the expensive food.
My cat finally accepted the expensive food.
Personifies an animal to show a change in preference.
The public is slowly coming around to the new environmental regulations.
The public is gradually accepting the new regulations.
Describes a large-scale change in opinion.
I know you're upset now, but I hope you'll come around and see my point.
I hope you will eventually understand and accept my perspective.
Focuses on empathy and understanding.
Teste-toi
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence about a stubborn boss.
He hated the software at first, but he's finally ___ to it.
We use 'coming around' because it describes the process of accepting something previously disliked.
Complete the sentence to show a change of heart.
Give her some time; she just needs a few days to ___.
'Come around' fits here as it implies she needs time to change her mind or mood.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Come Around'
Used with friends about small things.
He'll come around to the movie choice.
Common in daily work or family life.
The client is coming around to the price.
Used in professional reports or journalism.
The committee eventually came around to the proposal.
When to say 'Come Around'
Stubborn Friends
Persuading them to try a new restaurant.
Work Projects
Waiting for a boss to approve a risky idea.
Family Feuds
Waiting for a sibling to forgive you.
New Trends
Finally liking a fashion style you hated.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt means to change your mind and finally agree with something you didn't like before. For example, 'He finally came around to the plan.'
Yes, it can mean to physically walk around something, but as an idiom, it almost always refers to changing an opinion.
Yes, it is neutral and professional enough. You might say, 'We hope the client will come around to our proposal soon.'
'Agree' is just the result, but 'come around' implies there was a period of disagreement or hesitation first.
British people often say come round instead of come around. Both are perfectly understood in both countries.
Yes! It also means to regain consciousness after fainting or surgery, like 'He's starting to come around after the anesthesia.'
No, it is a standard phrasal verb. It is not slang, but it is very common in spoken, conversational English.
No, that is incorrect. You should say 'I brought him around' if you were the one who convinced him.
Usually, yes. It implies a process of thinking or cooling off. You wouldn't use it for a 5-second decision.
Forgetting the 'to' when adding an object. Always say 'come around *to* something,' never 'come around something' (unless you are walking in a circle).
Expressions liées
See eye to eye
To agree fully with someone.
Change of heart
A shift in one's opinion or feelings.
Win someone over
To persuade someone to support you.
Softened up
To become less strict or more willing to agree.
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