Used to introduce an afterthought or something that has just occurred to the speaker; indicates a sudden realization or memory.
This phrase emerged in the 18th century as a way to signal that new information or a fresh perspective has just entered the speaker's mind. It combines the concept of arrival ('come to') with the mental process of thinking, suggesting that thoughts can arrive unexpectedly like visitors.
The phrase beautifully captures how human memory and realization work - thoughts don't always arrive on command but seem to 'come to us' when we're not actively seeking them. It's one of those expressions that acknowledges the mysterious, non-linear nature of human cognition, where relevant information often surfaces just after we need it.
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