verb (colloquial).—1. To proceed at a great rate; to make a splash and dash (in extravagance); to ‘cut a figure.’ Cf., COME IT STRONG and GO IT.
1840. THACKERAY, The Paris Sketch Book, p. 22. ‘I think the chaps down the road will stare,’ said Sam, ‘when they hear how I’ve been coming it.’
2. (thieves’).—To inform. For synonyms, see PEACH.
1857. SNOWDEN, Magistrates Assistant, 3 ed., p. 444. To inform = TO COME IT.
1864. HOTTEN, The Slang Dictionary, p. 126. The expression COME IT (to inform, tell, or disclose) is best known to the lower and most dangerous classes.
1889. Daily Telegraph. He heard one of the others say in reply, ‘COME IT, meaning to tell—to be quiet.
3. (pugilistic).—To show fear.
4. (American).—To succeed. Especially in YOU CAN’T COME IT, i.e., you cannot succeed: an expression of disbelief in the ability of another. Probably a survival of old English usage. Cf., COME OVER.
