comer

plural comers

1. One in a race who is catching up to others and shows promise of winning.
2. figurativelyAn ambitious person; one who is catching up in some contest and has a likelihood of victory;

   This guy is is a real comer.

   1980, Paul Schrader, American Gigolo, spoken by Mrs. Laudner (Frances Bergen)

   2 more examples

   The transition from comer to also-ran can be quick.

   2004 August 9, The New Yorker, page 40

   Django, then, was not just a comer; he was a cause.

   2004 December 6, The New Yorker, page 105

3. One who arrives.

   The champ will face all comers.

   2 more examples

   It was soon apparent that no every day comer was at the door. One servant whispered […] it was the bishop […]

   1857, Anthony Trollope, Barchester Towers

   Sullivan went on an unprecedented barnstorming tour across the country, taking on all comers and offering $1,000 to anyone who stayed four rounds, Queensberry rules.

   1959 August, American Heritage, volume 10, number 5

1. A surname.
2. A male given name transferred from the surname.