The phrase "come nothing" is commonly misspelled as "cum nothing" due to its English pronunciation. The correct spelling uses the phonetic transcription of /kʌm/ for "come" instead of /kʌm/ for "cum". This phrase means achieving nothing or failing to accomplish something. As with any word or phrase, it is important to pay attention to its spelling and pronunciation to ensure clear communication.
The phrase "come nothing" is an idiomatic expression that typically signifies a state of disappointment or failure when an expected outcome or result does not materialize. It is typically used to express a sense of frustration or dismay towards an event, situation, or individual that falls short of one's expectations.
In a figurative sense, "come nothing" suggests that one's hopes, desires, or efforts have not been successful or fruitful. It embodies the idea of being left with nothing or empty-handed, after having invested time, energy, or resources into a particular endeavor.
The term is often used colloquially in informal conversations or expressions of disappointment. It can also be used to describe a scenario in which someone has put in significant efforts or made substantial preparations for an expected positive result, only to be met with a disappointing or unfavorable outcome.
For example, if someone spends weeks studying for an exam, but still fails to achieve the desired grade, they might use the phrase "come nothing" to convey their frustration and disappointment at their efforts yielding no positive outcome.
Overall, "come nothing" denotes a state of unfulfilled expectations, highlighting a sense of letdown or failure.
The phrase "come nothing" or "came to nothing" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two separate words.
The verb "come" comes from the Old English word "cuman", which means "to move toward or arrive". It has roots in the West Germanic language and is related to other Germanic languages such as German and Dutch.
The term "nothing" comes from the Old English word "nān þing", literally meaning "not anything". It is a combination of "nān", meaning "not", and "þing", meaning "thing" or "something". The term "nothing" has remained relatively unchanged in the English language over the centuries.
The phrase "came to nothing" combines these two words to convey the idea of an action or effort ending without achieving any significant result or outcome.