The phrase "comes short" is commonly used to describe a situation where someone falls short of achieving a goal or expectation. The word "comes" is pronounced /kʌmz/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the "o" sound as in "come" and the "s" sound at the end. The word "short" is pronounced /ʃɔrt/, with the "sh" sound followed by the "or" as in "for" and the "t" sound at the end. When combined, these words form the phrase "comes short", a clear and concise expression of a shortfall.
The phrase "comes short" refers to falling below a desired or expected level, failing to meet a particular target, or not achieving a specific standard. This expression is often used to describe a situation in which someone or something does not reach a certain level of performance, competence, or accomplishment.
When an individual "comes short" in a particular task or endeavor, it signifies that they have proved inadequate, unsuccessful, or insufficient in attaining their intended outcome. This failure may be attributed to a lack of effort, aptitude, skill, knowledge, or resources.
The notion of "comes short" can also apply to objects or entities. For instance, if a product "comes short" in terms of quality or functionality, it suggests that it does not fulfil the desired requirements or expectations of the consumer. Similarly, if a project "comes short" in meeting its objectives, it implies that it has fallen behind or failed to deliver the desired outcomes within the designated timeframe.
In summary, "comes short" depicts a state of underachievement, underperformance or failure to live up to a specific standard or expectation. It conveys the idea of not reaching the intended level of success, competence, or completion in an endeavor or situation.
The phrase "comes short" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two words. "Comes" comes from the Latin word "comes", meaning "companion" or "attendant". On the other hand, "short" comes from the Old English word "scort", which means "less than necessary" or "insufficient". When these two words are combined, "comes short" means failing or falling behind, typically in comparison to an expected standard or goal.