when ship comes in

when (one's) ship comes in

When one becomes wealthy and/or successful. When my ship comes in, I'm moving out of this disgusting little apartment first thing!See also: come, ship

when one's ship comes in

Fig. when one becomes rich and successful. When my ship comes in, we'll live in one of these huge mansions on the hill, my lass. When your ship comes in, Otto, I'll probably die of amazement!See also: come, ship

when your ˈship/ˈboat comes in

(informal) when you are suddenly successful or have a lot of money: Perhaps, when our ship comes in, we’ll both be able to leave our jobs.See also: boat, come, ship