come out on top

/kˈʌm ˈaʊt ˌɒn tˈɒp/

/kˈʌm ˈaʊt ˌɑːn tˈɑːp/

[phrase]

to come out on top

[PHRASE]

to win an argument or other competitive situation

to [come] out on top definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "come out on top" and when to use it?

Its origin can be traced back to the 16th century, where the phrase "come out uppermost" was used with a similar meaning. The expression "top" has long been associated with success and victory, and is commonly used in sports to refer to the highest score or the ultimate goal. Over time, the phrase "come out on top" became a popular idiom used in various contexts.

Nearby words

come out of the closet

come rain or come shine

come through

come to a grinding halt

come to grief