come at (something/someone)
Meaning(s)
1. approach an issue or situation in a particular way
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
come at the problem from a different angle
Analysis
The phrasal verb come at means to suddenly come towards someone usually in a threatening way or with the intention of attacking someone. Something that comes at somebody can be directed at or towards someone. The way you come at something can also describe your approach or how you think or deal with a particular situation.
Social Examples (Basic)
- Phoebe has not responded well to our forceful intervention. Perhaps we should be coming at things in a more subtle way.
- If you come at this situation differently I think you will see things from my perspective.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- The approach we've been taking to solving the problem has clearly not worked. We need to come at the issue from a different angle.
Further Suggestions
bounce (ideas) off (someone) break the (mold/mould) multi-(disciplined/pronged) approach 2. move or be directed towards somebody in an aggressive or hostile manner
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
come at someone threateningly
Analysis
The phrasal verb come at means to suddenly come towards someone usually in a threatening way or with the intention of attacking someone. Something that comes at somebody can be directed at or towards someone.
Social Examples (Basic)
- David called the police after a man came at him with a knife as he was walking home last night.
- Paul and I were having a heated discussion, and then next thing I know he's coming at me with his fist raised. I thought he was going to punch me!
Professional Examples (Basic)
- At the product launch, questions came at me from all directions. It was quite overwhelming, but I just about managed to keep my cool.
- The meeting was so intense and Anna got so enraged that I thought she was going to come at me.