come up empty

phrase

Synonyms of come up empty

: to fail to achieve a desired result

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of come up empty was in 1940

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Come up empty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/come%20up%20empty. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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come up empty

phrase

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