When your ship comes in

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Meaning

When luck or wealth hits, big time.

Origin

From 19th-century Britain, tied to trade; 'ship comes in' meant wealth, slang by 1840s in a Trollope tale for luck. A 1860s 'Times' uses it for a haul.

Variants

  • Ship comes

Usage Examples

  • I'll splurge when my ship comes in.
  • When your ship comes in; big plans!
  • Ship comes in-luck's here.

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