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to bounce back

to bounce back

60 3.5
Get better quickly after an illness, problem, or setback
  • phrasal verb
  • /baʊns bæk/
translation icon : recuperarse de
  • It's amazing how quickly kids bounce back from bugs, isn't it?
  • bounce back from difficulties
  • ability to bounce back

So how long does it take you to bounce back from these races?

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Examples

  • The United States must be prepared to minimize the consequences of those eventualities and bounce back quickly.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Well, she seems to have bounced back.

  • But that was when you were young and you could really bounce back pretty quick.

  • You become equipped to bounce back from these things so much faster.

  • So you will struggle, but you can bounce back and you can push through.

  • So how long does it take you to bounce back from these races?

  • Maybe cutting him loose will help him bounce back a little.

  • Nobody out there expects us to bounce back after the type of loss we suffered last week.

  • We are made of tough stuff, and we will bounce back, but the help is greatly appreciated.

    Blog text (8)
  • I can't believe how quickly Papi has bounced back from his heart attack.

Synonyms

to recover
vsto bounce back
748 2.5

Get back to a normal state after a loss, for example health or money

happens quickly in many cases, not always gradual like this term
to heal
vsto bounce back
481 1.2

To become healthy again after an injury, illness, or emotional pain

emphasizes rapid recovery from setbacks rather than a healing process
to get over
vsto bounce back
340 2.8

Recover from an illness, disappointment, or other difficulty

emphasizes rapid physical recovery rather than slower emotional healing
to rebound
vsto bounce back
42 4.3

To get back to normal after a problem

focuses on quick recovery but not always returning to prior state
to get well
vsto bounce back
32 1.3

Become healthy again after being ill or hurt

focuses on a quick comeback after problems rather than simple healing
to recuperate
vsto bounce back
30 6.3

To get better after being ill, injured, or very tired

implies faster recovery rather than a slow restoration of strength
to get back on one's feet
vsto bounce back
  • Informal
27 3.7

To recover after illness, money problems, or other setbacks

implies a speedy return to stability rather than gradual rebuilding
to turn the corner
vsto bounce back
14 4.2

To begin to get better after a difficult time

means a quicker full recovery rather than just the start of improvement
to get back on the horse
vsto bounce back
  • Informal
6 5.0

To try again after a failure, especially when you feel afraid

refers to quick personal recovery rather than just attempting again
to convalesce
vsto bounce back
  • Formal
5 7.9

To spend time getting stronger and healthier after an illness or operation

means a quick return rather than a slow, gradual healing process
to snap back
vsto bounce back
  • Informal
5 3.8

Get better quickly after a setback or illness

recovers quickly but may be less sudden than this form
to return to form
vsto bounce back
1 4.6

Get back to a previous good level of ability after a time of decline

refers to quick recovery in general situations, not only skill return
to pick oneself up off the floor
vsto bounce back
  • Informal
6.1

To get better after a failure and start again

highlights fast recovery action rather than the effort to restart
recovering
vsto bounce back
3.2

Getting better after an illness or operation

describes a quick return rather than an ongoing recovery process
to feel like Lazarus
vsto bounce back
9.1

To become full of new energy after being very ill or tired

describes a swift return to form rather than a vivid revival feeling

Antonyms

1.2

To stop trying to do something or accept defeat

898 1.0

Not succeed in doing something you wanted to do

How Quickly

to bounce back
60 3.5
to rebound
42 4.3
to recover
748 2.5
to improve
1.0

Surface Forms

bounce back infinitive
bounced back past participle
bouncing back present participle
bounces back third person singular

Morphology

bounce + back

The sense 'to recover quickly' is transparently built from 'bounce' (to rebound or spring back) plus 'back' (to a previous state); the motion/rebound metaphor directly yields the idea of returning to normal. Although the dictionary entry for 'back' is missing here, 'back' as a particle meaning 'to return' is very common in English phrasal verbs, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would likely infer the meaning.

Etymology

Bounce back comes from the image of a ball: when a ball bounces off the ground it springs back up. So, bounce back means 'to recover quickly' after illness, a problem, or a setback.