"Come to snuff" is a phrase commonly used in the song "The Ballad of John Henry" and can easily be misheard or misspelled as "come to snuff it" or "come to snuff out." The correct spelling uses the sound /snʌf/ for "snuff" which is similar to "enough" (/ɪˈnʌf/) but with the addition of the "s" sound at the beginning. The phrase "come to snuff" refers to someone challenging or confronting someone else in a competition or contest.
The phrase "come to snuff" generally refers to an idiom that originated in the early 20th century, primarily in the United States. It is meant to convey the idea of someone being eliminated or killed, particularly in a brutal or violent manner. The term "snuff" in this context refers to the act of extinguishing a flame, often associated with snuffing out a candle or a small fire. Therefore, "come to snuff" suggests that someone's life or existence has been abruptly and forcefully ended.
However, it is important to note that the phrase has expanded its meaning over time, and while its origin may have implied a violent demise, its modern usage has evolved to include a broader range of situations. It can now represent the termination or defeat of an idea, a project, or a situation. It suggests that something or someone has been completely brought to an end, often with a sense of finality or irrevocability.
The phrase "come to snuff" has found its way into various forms of popular culture, including literature, music, and film, where it is used metaphorically to express the concept of extinguishing or putting an end to something.