come to time

The expression was used in prizefighting (boxing).

Lua error in Module:utilities at line 142: attempt to perform arithmetic on local 'h' (a nil value)

1. (dated) To come forward in order to resume the contest when the interval allowed for rest is over and time is called.
   • 1834, Frederick Marryat, Jacob Faithful:

     We fights for ten minutes or so, and then I hits him a round blow on the ear, and he falls down on the hard, and couldn't come to time. No wonder, poor fellow ! for he had gone to eternity.

2. (idiomatic) To maintain an appointment; to meet expectations.