come across meaning to be understood

[AlexAD]

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.

 

[Grumpy]

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.

 

[AlexAD]

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

Thanks

Alex.

 

[Rover_KE]

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