come by (something) honestly
come by (something) honestly
1. To obtain something without deception or other nefarious behavior. Are you sure he came by that expensive handbag honestly?
2. To inherit something, usually a trait from one's parent. She came by her compassion honestly, as her mother was the exact same way.
See also: by, come, honestly
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
come by something honestly
1. Fig. to get something honestly. (See also come by something.) Don't worry. I came by this Swiss watch honestly. I have a feeling she didn't come by it honestly.
2. Fig. to inherit something—such as a character trait-from one's parents. I know I'm mean. I came by it honestly, though. She came by her kindness honestly.
See also: by, come, honestly
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
- all right
- a/the feel of (something)
- (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you
- a straw will show which way the wind blows
- a crack at (someone or something)
- (you) wanna make something of it?
- all for the best
- a thing of the past
- a slew of (something)
- a bird in the hand