the cavalry showed up
1
7.7
- idiom
- Informal
:
los refuerzos llegaron
- Just when we thought we'd lost, the cavalry showed up and turned things around.
Examples
-
Don't worry, if it gets too tough, the cavalry will show up sooner or later.
-
I was struggling with the project, but the cavalry showed up and helped me finish on time.
-
Finally, the cavalry showed up just in time to save the day!
-
When the storm hit, I was worried, but then the cavalry showed up with supplies.
-
Just when all seemed lost, the cavalry showed up to save the day.
-
During the storm, the rescue team arrived, and that was when the cavalry showed up.
-
As the argument escalated, her friends acted like the cavalry showed up to diffuse the tension.
Synonyms
177
2.0
To appear after being lost or when not expected
16
3.1
To help someone who is in trouble or danger
14
3.4
Arrive to help someone who is in trouble
3
3.1
To help someone when they are in trouble
How Much Help
- Informal
1
7.7
14
3.4
- Specialized
367
2.9
799
1.0
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase combines 'cavalry' (soldiers/reinforcements) with 'showed up' (arrived), so a learner who knows both words can infer that reinforcements or help have arrived. Although it can be used metaphorically for non-military assistance, the core meaning is directly derivable from the constituents and follows a common composition pattern.
Etymology
The cavalry showed up comes from soldiers on horses, the cavalry, arriving at a battle just in time to help. When those riders came at the right moment they could save the day, so the phrase now means 'help or rescue has arrived'.