come calling
Arrive to see
Come calling means to arrive seeking something, whether attention, a relationship, or an opportunity.
The phrase evokes an older tradition of formal social visits, when suitors or acquaintances would call at someone's home.
Today it often appears in contexts where someone or something presents itself, especially when uninvited or unexpected: When opportunity comes calling, you'd better be ready.
The expression can suggest pursuit or courtship: He came calling with flowers every Sunday.
- pay a visitGo somewhere briefly
- drop byVisit without appointment
- visitationOfficial or formal visit
- guestWelcomed visitor
- unexpected guestVisitor without invitation
old friend · invitation · anticipation · longing · hospitality · warmth · inquiry · companionship · announcement · suitor · host · urgency · arrival · front porch · door knocker · welcome mat · dialogue · departure
come callingstay away
Remain at distance
keep away · avoid · keep one's distance · steer clear · shun
come callingplay hard to get
Feign romantic disinterest strategically
come callingdisappear
Pass from visibility
stay home · stay away · keep to oneself · make oneself scarce · ghost
come, calling, comes, came, coming, comer, comers, call, calls