come to a head

idiom

The phrase "come to a head" originates from a medical context, referring to the point when an abscess is about to burst, and is now used idiomatically to describe critical turning points in various situations.

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Definition

B2General

(idiomatic)To reach a critical stage where immediate action or resolution is necessary.

Example

The conflict between the two departments finally came to a head during the meeting.
Tensions in the relationship came to a head after months of unresolved issues.

C1Medicine

(technical)To reach the final stage of development, as in the case of an abscess ready to burst.

Example

The doctor said the boil would come to a head in a few days.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "come to a head":

come to blows rear one's head come to fruition come up come to a boil go to someone's head come to grips boil up come out in the wash come up to come to come a cropper come to hand top out come to terms with come out well up come around make head against come through have someone's head come to a stop come into