come from behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "come from behind" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where someone or something overcomes a deficit or disadvantage to achieve success, often in sports or competitions. Example: "The team managed to come from behind in the final minutes of the game to secure a victory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Can you come from behind and win?

The New York Times

How do we come from behind?

The New Yorker

"Tonight we've come from behind," she said.

The Washington Post

But Bibi has come from behind before.

The New York Times

We've always come from behind before," Whiley said.

The Guardian - Sport

Ding Junhui will have to come from behind to keep his Crucible title hopes alive.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Hagerty characterized this as "a come-from-behind situation".

The New Yorker

A bottom-of-the-ninth, come-from-behind grand slam.

The New York Times

They also have 22 come-from-behind wins.

The New York Times - Sports

Their signature has been the come-from-behind victory.

The New York Times - Sports

He was strictly a come-from-behind runner.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "come from behind" when you want to emphasize the effort and resilience required to win after being at a disadvantage. It's a dynamic and visually evocative phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "come from behind" when the subject was never actually losing or at a disadvantage. Ensure there was a deficit to overcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come from behind" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of achieving victory or success after being in a losing position. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It often modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating the manner in which something was achieved.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "come from behind" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe achieving success after initially being at a disadvantage. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across various contexts, predominantly in news and media, although it also appears in wikis and other sources. The phrase carries a neutral register and serves to emphasize resilience and determination. Alternative phrases, such as ""rally from behind"" and "recover from a deficit", offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. A key usage tip is to ensure the subject was truly at a disadvantage before using the phrase, to avoid misrepresenting the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recover from a deficit

Focuses on the act of regaining what was lost, emphasizing the quantitative aspect of the disadvantage.

rally from behind

Highlights the surge of energy and effort required to overcome a disadvantage.

overcome adversity

Emphasizes the challenging circumstances that were successfully navigated.

turn the tables

Indicates a complete reversal of fortune or advantage.

snatch victory from the jaws of defeat

A more dramatic and figurative way of describing a last-minute win against the odds.

make a comeback

Focuses on the act of returning to a position of success after a period of decline or disadvantage.

pull off a reversal

Highlights the act of successfully changing a negative situation into a positive one.

stage a recovery

Emphasizes the process of regaining strength or a favorable position after a setback.

reverse a losing trend

Focuses on the act of changing a pattern of losses or negative outcomes.

salvage a situation

Highlights the act of rescuing something from a potentially disastrous outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "come from behind" in a sentence?

You can use "come from behind" to describe a team or individual who wins after initially being in a losing position. For example, "The team managed to "rally from behind" in the final minutes to win the championship".

What does it mean to "come from behind"?

To "come from behind" means to achieve victory or success after initially being in a losing or disadvantaged position. It implies overcoming obstacles and demonstrating resilience.

What can I say instead of "come from behind"?

You can use alternatives like "recover from a deficit", ""rally from behind"", or "overcome adversity" depending on the specific context.

Is it always about sports when someone "comes from behind"?

No, while often used in sports contexts, "come from behind" can apply to any situation where someone or something overcomes an initial disadvantage. For example, a company could "make a comeback" after facing financial difficulties.