come upon the town
The phrase "come upon the town" is an idiomatic expression from the 18th and 19th centuries with various meanings related to social status and survival.
Definition
C2Historical
(UK, obsolete, euphemistic)To resort to prostitution, often due to dire circumstances.
Example
- In the novel, the character feared she might come upon the town if left destitute.
C2Social Welfare
(US, dated)To live on public charity or welfare.
Example
- After losing his job, he had to come upon the town to survive.
C2Society
(US, dated)To make a debut in social circles, becoming known in town society.
Example
- She was excited to come upon the town and attend the season's grand events.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "come upon the town":
come upongo to townin towncome acrossrun up oncome aroundstumble uponfall upondescend uponhit uponcross someone's pathstumble acrosscome by