COME ABOUT - ORIGIN
Wednesday June 29th, 2011
COME ABOUT.
Yet another everyday phrase that has its origins in nautical terminology. Coming about was often used tactically during naval conflict. It is actually a technical term used when sailing against the wind but was adopted by sailors in combat when a ship was heading away from the enemy and turned back to face them. This was a surprise tactic. The phrase eventually became the norm when describing something that has happened which is unexpected.
