The Open Dictionary

come before something/someone

Related to word: come

Phrasal Verb

Definition (legal)

  1. When a legal case is presented to a court or judge, they address it, and when an individual appears before a court or judge, they are present during the proceedings.

    • The case will come before the court next week.

    • He presented evidence that came before the judge to support his claim.

    • The defendant must come before the court for the hearing first.

Definition (priority)

  1. to hold greater significance than or to be given precedence over another thing or person.

    • Throughout her career, family has always come before work.

    • In this meeting, the client's needs must come before all other issues.

    • Safety should always come before efficiency.