came up trumps
Delivered when needed
Came up trumps means to succeed unexpectedly or produce a good result when needed, like playing a winning trump card.
British expression, often describing someone who delivers in a clutch moment: The weather came up trumps for the wedding.
He always comes up trumps when we need him most.
- surpriseUnexpected event causing astonishment
- aceSingle-pip card
- winning handCards securing the pot
- triumphResounding, celebrated victory
- winAchieve victory
success · victory · card · wild card · serendipity · providence · fluke · jackpot · luck · stroke of luck · lucky break · breakthrough · moment of truth · against all odds · deliver · fortune · prize · reliable
came up trumpsfell short
Failed to reach goal
failed · disappointed · let down · flopped · bombed
came up trumpslet down
Fail to meet expectations
let someone down · left in the lurch · hung out to dry · fell through · reneged
came, comes, comer, comers, trump, trumps, trumped, trumping