one's ship comes in

English

Etymology

Merchants used to send goods abroad on ships to be sold, receiving the money when the ships returned.

Pronunciation

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Phrase

one's ship comes in

1. (idiomatic) One makes or comes into possession of a significant amount of money.
   • 1871, The Family treasury of Sunday reading, ed. by A. Cameron (W. Arnot), page 381:

     I often wish I had the money the eggs and chickens bring; but, when I say so, father answers I shall when his ship comes in. When I was younger, I really thought he owned a ship, which would one day come into port.

   • 1915, Humane Advocate, page 877:

     He is heir to some property and prefers to loaf at saloons until his ship comes in. In the meantime, the wife's parents practically support her and her children.

2. (idiomatic) One is successful.