Phrase guide

come to grips

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To confront each other decisively.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

Examples

  • The armies finally came to grips at Stalingrad.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To attempt to face or resolve an internal contradiction or difficulty.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

Examples

  • It was not until five years after graduation that she finally came to grips and began a career.
  • The country is coming to grips and accepting its responsibilities.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

deal with (a problem or a subject)

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • I still have not come to grips with the death of my parents

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: get to grips

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: manage, deal, care, handle

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

7 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Bulgarian: водя схватка (vodja shvatka) — to confront decisively
  • Bulgarian: сблъсквам се (sblǎskvam se) — to confront decisively
  • Bulgarian: сблъскам се (sblǎskam se) — to confront decisively
  • Polish: zwierać się — to confront decisively
  • Polish: zewrzeć się — to confront decisively
  • Polish: zwierać się — attempt to resolve an internal contradiction
  • Polish: zewrzeć się — attempt to resolve an internal contradiction