Synonyms

come from behind

Idioms

Also, come up from behind. Advance from the rear or from a losing position, as in You can expect the Mets to come from behind before the season is over, or The polls say our candidate is coming up from behind. This idiom, which originated in horse racing, was first transferred to scores in various sports and later to more general use.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The couple predict that the Patriots will be on top the first half, but at some point the Seahawks will come from behind and dominate the Patriots for a little while.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 1, 2026

After showing remarkable spirit to come from behind, and take the lead against the German side, Newcastle were again denied a precious victory.

From BBC • Dec. 10, 2025

He has led 20 fourth-quarter comebacks in the regular season and come from behind in all three of his Super Bowl triumphs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 10, 2025

If any team could come from behind, it is Stokes' men.

From BBC • Nov. 20, 2025

There was an answer, or so he thought; but it seemed to come from behind him, away down the path further back in the Forest.

From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023