back from the grave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "back from the grave" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a sudden reappearance or return of something that had previously been assumed to be lost or gone. For example, "When the classic video game franchise was re-released after years of being dormant, it felt like it had come back from the grave."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

It was Robert Walpole back from the grave, still wringing his hands.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They rose from their knees, brushed off their hands and stood back from the grave.

The New York Times - Sports

"Her love was like a wind pushing me back from the grave," he writes.

The New York Times - Books

Its share price has surged by more than 50% in the past year.Could AOL be back from the grave?

The Economist

Her desire to cling to him foils her husband's attempt to bring his wife back from the grave.

Independent

Mylo Destroy Rock'n'Roll (Breastfed) Dance music probably needs a sloganeering avenger to bring it back from the grave.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

"O'Neill has that certain back-from-the-grave gravitas".

The New York Times

Indeed, one rather better-preserved contemporary recently observed that Kent's back-from-the-grave comeback "reminds me of Carrie".

The Guardian - Music

And if you're counting out Ms. Bell, who used a back-from-the-grave story line herself to great effect in 2008 ("Marge's Return!"), you don't know her very well.

The New York Times

The witch's demise features a jokey, back-from-the grave Carrie moment.

The Guardian

Less distinguished performers were given names like Bruce Le and Bruce Li, and thrust into quickies with titles like "Bruce Lee Fights Back From the Grave" and "Blind Fist of Bruce".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "back from the grave" to add dramatic flair when describing the unexpected return of something that was thought to be obsolete or finished. For example, "Vinyl records are back from the grave, experiencing a resurgence in popularity."

Common error

Avoid using "back from the grave" in literal contexts unless you're writing fiction or fantasy. In most cases, it's a figurative expression best suited for describing resurrections of trends, ideas, or projects, not actual dead people.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "back from the grave" primarily functions as an idiom, often used as a figurative expression to describe the revival or return of something that was considered dead, obsolete, or finished. Ludwig AI confirms that is a valid phrase and provides many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiom "back from the grave" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that evokes a sense of revival or unexpected return. Ludwig AI validates its proper use. While primarily found in news and media contexts, its informal register also allows for creative and expressive usage. When writing, be mindful of its figurative nature to avoid misapplication in literal scenarios, unless intentionally crafting a fictional narrative. Consider alternatives such as "revived" or "made a comeback" for a less dramatic tone or formal setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brought back to life

A more literal and descriptive way of saying resurrected.

resurrected

Specifically refers to being brought back to life from death.

revived

Suggests a restoration to a former state of vigor or activity.

made a comeback

Describes a return to popularity or success after a period of decline.

reborn

Implies a completely new beginning or a fresh start.

rose from the ashes

Implies a recovery from complete destruction or failure.

returned from oblivion

Emphasizes the state of being forgotten or unknown before the return.

returned to prominence

Suggests a return to a position of importance or influence.

back in action

Indicates a return to active participation or performance.

a second coming

Often used metaphorically to describe a significant return or revival.

FAQs

How can I use "back from the grave" in a sentence?

You can use "back from the grave" to describe something that has returned or been revived after a period of being forgotten or inactive. For instance, "After years of decline, the company staged a remarkable comeback and was "back from the grave"."

What's a less dramatic way to say "back from the grave"?

If you want a less dramatic alternative, consider using phrases like "revived", "made a comeback", or "returned", depending on the context.

Is "back from the grave" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "back from the grave" is generally more suitable for informal or creative writing. In formal contexts, opt for more neutral alternatives like "restored" or "re-emerged".

Can "back from the grave" be used for literal resurrections?

Yes, but primarily in fictional or fantastical contexts. Outside of those genres, it's almost exclusively used metaphorically to describe the return of something non-literal.