Phrase guide

see coming

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 notice in advance, especially to recognise as a threat or problem; to foresee.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal, person

Qualifier: or occurrence

Examples

  • You're a perfect hitman; you look like a regular guy. Nobody sees you coming.
  • My pension plan went broke. I didn't see that development coming.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To recognise (someone) as a potential victim to swindle or otherwise deceive.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal

Examples

  • You were charged $1,000 for a car wash? They must have seen you coming!

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see coming.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • The foul ball hit me on the head. I didn't see it coming.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

9 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Esperanto: antaŭvidi — notice in advance; foresee
  • Hungarian: lát jönni — notice in advance; foresee
  • Hungarian: számít rá — notice in advance; foresee
  • Hungarian: előre lát — notice in advance; foresee
  • Hungarian: nem lepi meg — notice in advance; foresee
  • Hungarian: nem éri váratlanul — notice in advance; foresee
  • Latin: prōvideō — notice in advance; foresee
  • Russian: предви́деть (predvídetʹ) — notice in advance; foresee
  • Spanish: ver venir — notice in advance; foresee