come to time
verbEtymology The expression was used in prizefighting (boxing).
1
Dated To come forward in order to resume the contest when the interval allowed for rest is over and time is called.
- We fights for ten minutes or so, and then I hits him a round blow on the ear, and he falls down on the hard, and couldn't come to time. No wonder, poor fellow ! for he had gone to eternity.1834, Frederick Marryat, Jacob Faithful:
2
Idiomatic To maintain an appointment; to meet expectations.