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Thread: come across meaning to be understood

  1. #1
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    Default come across meaning to be understood

    Hello.

    The OALD has an entry for 'come across' (also 'come over') with the meaning to be understood, giving this example a reader this example.

    'He spoke for a long time but his meaning didn't really come across'.

    And I thought whether in a situation where I don't understand the meaning of what I am being told I can employ this phrasal verb. For example, the dialog

    - Very difficult to understand speech of an opponent of mine.
    - Sorry, you don't come across. Could you please make yourself any clearer?

    Thanks

    Alex.

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    Default Re: come across meaning to be understood

    Much better just to say: "Sorry; I don't understand what you are saying. Could you please make yourself clearer?"

    He may not understand the expression "you don't come across" [better expressed as 'you aren't coming across'] and then neither of you will understand one another.
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  3. #3
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    Default Re: come across meaning to be understood

    Could you think of a few more situations where this phrasal verb in this meaning can be used?

    Thanks

    Alex.

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    Rover_KE is offline Moderator
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    Default Re: come across meaning to be understood

    I suggest you don't use it — just be aware of its meaning if you read or hear it somewhere.

    Follow Grumpy's advice.

    Rover
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