Johnny-come-lately is an American expression which has been used since at least the 1890s.
Meaning Of Idiom ‘Johnny-Come-Lately’
The idiomatic term Johnny-come-lately is meant to express disapproval. A johnny-come-lately is a person who joins something after it has already started and is more successful than warranted or expresses knowledge or expertise that their limited experience does not warrant. It usually refers to an undeserving newcomer or a novice who is arrogant, i.e. an ‘upstart.’
Example Of Use
“I’ve been working for this company for fifteen years and today some Johnny-come-lately was promoted ahead of me.”
Origin
This idiom was in use in the United States as early as the 1890s. It may have begun in the United States navy, where a new seaman on a ship was called ‘Johnny newcomer.’ Presumably, this name was changed to ‘Johnny-come-lately’ and passed into general use. It appeared in print as early as 1839 in the novel The Adventures of Harry Franco by Charles F. Briggs. See the related idiom Johnny-on-the-spot.
More Idioms Starting with J
- Just What the Doctor Ordered
- Joined at the Hip
- John Hancock (your, one’s)
- Jump At Something (chance, offer, opportunity)
- Jack of All Trades
More Come Idioms
More Late Idioms
More Proper Name Idioms
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- John Hancock (your, one’s)
- Peter Out
- Raise Hell
- Jack of All Trades
- Nervous Nellie
- Slip Someone a Mickey (Finn)