Phrase guide

if you build it, they will come

proverb · 1 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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1

proverb

Meaning 1

Creating the right circumstances for a goal will result in that goal realizing itself.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • The region may be sparsely populated now, but our new infrastructure project will surely attract tons of development and investment. If you build it, they will come.
  • Once we got the product out, I'm sure we will see the sector skyrocket! Sure, there might be very little market demand now, but if you build it, they will come.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From the 1989 film Field of Dreams.