make a comeback

/mˌeɪk ɐ kˈʌmbak/

/mˌeɪk ɐ kˈʌmbæk/

[phrase]

to make a comeback

[PHRASE]

to return to a position of success, influence or popularity after experiencing a decline or setback

to [make] a comeback definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "make a comeback" and when to use it?

The phrase 'make a comeback' originated in sports, where it was used to describe a player or team that was able to recover from a deficit or a period of poor performance and win a game or match. The term 'comeback' was first used in the 1880s to describe a horse that made a late surge to win a race, and it later became commonly used in sports to describe a team or player that was able to come back and win after being behind. In the broader sense, the phrase "make a comeback" suggests that the person or entity in question is able to overcome obstacles, learn from mistakes, and make changes in order to achieve success. It implies a sense of resilience, determination, and perseverance in the face of adversity, and it is often used to describe stories of triumph over adversity.

Examples

1. The author was able to make a comeback after a series of poorly received books, with a new novel that became a bestseller and earned critical praise.

2. Despite being out of the public eye for several years, the singer made a comeback with a new album that received critical acclaim and commercial success.

3. We may be down by 10 points, but never say die - there's still time left in the game to make a comeback.

4. If Jell-O wanted to make a comeback, I think it's pretty impossible if their aim is to appeal to those looking for more natural foods.

Nearby words

open the floodgates

make ends meet

have it made in the shade