The meaning of the verb "to come by"

[Pivosz]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #139 "Idioms with the phrasal verb come", question 2

I just can't seem to be able to find a good personal assistant as they are so hard to ..........

(a) come by
(b) come back
(c) come out
(d) come across

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #139 "Idioms with the phrasal verb come", answer 2

I just can't seem to be able to find a good personal assistant as they are so hard to come by.

Correct answer: (a) come by

Your answer was: incorrect
I just can't seem to be able to find a good personal assistant as they are so hard to come across.
_________________________

Hi,
What's the meaning of the verb "to come by" in this sentence?
Thanx in advance.

[Mister Micawber]

.
to come by = to acquire, to find.
.
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Hapkido]

reach, catch up with

[Mister Micawber]

What is your question, Hapkido? Your post seems unrelated to the rest of this thread.
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Hapkido]

Sorry MR-Mister Micawber.I hope i haven't offended you, i just tried to add another meaning for the word come by.

[Mister Micawber]

No offense taken. But I don't understand that other meaning. Could you give me a sample sentence using it?
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Hapkido]

With all my pleasure and so sorry to keep you long.

At that time, teaching jobs abroad were hard to come by.
A good job is hard to come by these days.
I have never seen such a good performance like that really it's not easy to come by.

Please correct me if I am mistaken, I'd appreciate a little feed back on it if you don't mind

thanks in advance

[Mister Micawber]

Hello, Hapkido. All of those are good sentences, but in none of them does 'come by' mean 'reach, catch up with'.
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Saneta]

dear Mr Micawber please explain to me your words: no offense taken.

many thanks

[Mister Micawber]

Which words?
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Saneta]

Dear Mr M. you wrote earlier (go up) to Hapkido: No offense taken.- what does it mean or what did you mean by it?

No offense taken= I'm not angry with your attack of words taken??

many thanks

[Mister Micawber]

That's right.
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Hapkido]

Thank you for your prompt answer!