come-back
Definition
- Noun:
- A return to a former position or state: "comeback" refers to a return to a position of power, influence, or success after a period of decline or absence.
- A quick, witty reply: In informal usage, "comeback" means a sharp or clever retort, often in response to criticism or teasing.
- A reason for complaint: In slang, especially American English, "comeback" can mean a basis for objection or grievance.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The singer made a remarkable comeback after a decade of silence. (A return to fame or success.)
- She had a perfect comeback to his insult. (A witty and sharp reply.)
- I have no comeback about the decision; it was fair. (No reason to complain.)
Advanced Usage
"to stage a comeback": to attempt or achieve a return to a former successful state.
- The aging athlete staged a comeback and won the gold medal. (She returned to competition and succeeded.)
"to make a comeback": to become popular or successful again after a period of obscurity.
- Vinyl records have made a comeback in recent years. (They have regained popularity.)
Variants and Related Words
- Comeback (n): the standard spelling; also used as a compound noun.
- Comeback (adj): used attributively, e.g., "comeback tour" (a tour by an artist after a hiatus).
- The band announced a comeback tour for next summer. (A tour marking their return.)
Synonyms
- Return: the act of coming back to a previous state or place.
- His return to politics was unexpected. (A comeback in a career.)
- Retort: a sharp, witty, or angry reply.
- Her retort silenced the room. (A clever comeback.)
- Rebuttal: a refutation or counterargument.
- He offered a strong rebuttal to the accusation. (A comeback in a debate.)
Related Idioms
"on the comeback trail": in the process of returning to a former state of success.
- The actor is on the comeback trail after a series of failures. (He is working to regain popularity.)
"a comeback kid": a person who repeatedly returns to success after setbacks.
- She is known as the comeback kid in the business world. (She always recovers from failures.)