The phrase "coming short" has a straightforward spelling, but understanding its pronunciation requires knowledge of IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced /ˈkʌmɪŋ/, with a short "u" sound as in "cup" and a soft "g" at the end. The second syllable is pronounced /ʃɔːt/, with a long "o" sound as in "boat" and an unvoiced "sh" sound. With this knowledge, one can accurately say that "coming short" is pronounced /ˈkʌmɪŋ ʃɔːt/ in English.
The phrase "coming short" is an idiomatic expression used to describe an action or attempt that falls below expectations, goals, or standards, resulting in a failure to achieve a desired outcome. It implies a lack of success or fulfillment in one's efforts or performance.
When someone is said to have "come short," it often suggests that they have not met a particular benchmark or have fallen behind in comparison to others. This phrase is commonly used to highlight a deficiency or a shortfall in terms of expectations, objectives, or requirements.
The term "coming short" can be applied to various contexts, including academic, professional, personal, or even athletic situations. For instance, if a student is aiming to achieve an A-grade in an exam but scores a B, it could be said that they came short of their goal. Similarly, when an athlete fails to break a long-standing record by a few milliseconds, they are said to have come short of the previous mark.
Overall, "coming short" refers to an instance where an individual's performance, efforts, or results do not meet the expected or desired level. It emphasizes a sense of falling behind, failing to reach a specified target, or not meeting the standards set by oneself or others.
The phrase "coming short" is not derived from a specific etymology as it is a combination of two separate words. However, we can analyze the origins and meanings of these individual words for better understanding:
1. Coming: The word "coming" is the present participle of the verb "come", which can be traced back to the Old English word "cuman". It has roots in the Proto-Germanic word "kwemanan", meaning "to move, approach, or arrive". Over time, it evolved to its current form and is commonly used to depict the act of moving toward a location or approaching a particular situation.
2. Short: "Short" originated from the Old English word "scort", which has Germanic roots. It can be linked to the Proto-Indo-European base "sker-", meaning "to cut" or "to shorten".