I’m puzzled by this use of “come of” I’m puzzled by the following exchange (from an English test) between a man and a woman sitting at a train station (being commuters a train strike is obviously not in their interest): Man: I see the train drivers are preparing for strike action again next week. Woman: I don't suppose anything will come of it, though. Man: I wish I could share your optimism. In my opinion the woman is saying she doesn’t think the strike will take place. If she is saying that nothing will result from the strike, the man’s response makes little sense. But why would the preparations be futile? Either the train drivers decide to strike or they don’t - what does the strike happening or not happening have to do with their preparations? I’m beginning to wonder if I don’t properly understand the meaning of “come of”. To me it means “to happen as a result of something” as in: “No good will come of it.” Can anyone bring me out of my puzzlement? Thanks for your help!