when someone's 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 someone's ship comes in (or home)

when someone's fortune is made. This expression dates back to the period of Britain's maritime empire, when the safe arrival of a valuable cargo meant an instant fortune for the owner and those who had shares in the enterprise.See also: come, ship