Idiom · C1 · Informal · common in conversation
come in handy
Become useful for a particular purpose or situation, often when the need arises unexpectedly.
dobro doći; biti od koristi; zatrebati i poslužiti
Memory scene
The small tool you almost discarded fits the loose bolt exactly when the chair needs fixing.
How it sounds
kum in HAN-dee
Stress handy; come is irregular: come–came–come.
Build the sentence
thing/skill + come in handy + for noun/-ing or when-clause
Use it
Her basic knowledge of Italian came in handy when the train was canceled.
A previously acquired skill became useful in an unexpected situation.
Keep the adapter; it may come in handy for charging older devices.
For plus -ing states the practical purpose.
Watch out
The useful thing is the subject: This tool will come in handy, not I will come this tool in handy. After for, use a noun or -ing form. Mainly UK come in useful is a close variant.
Nearby language
The direct neutral equivalent, without the suggestion that a particular need arises.
Slightly more formal and emphasizes that experience demonstrates the usefulness.
Means easy or well suited to use, which is not always the same as becoming useful in a need.
Make it yours
Sačuvali ste mali adapter, a sada vam je potreban da povežete stariji monitor.