on the rebound

Idioms  

1. Reacting to or recovering from an unhappy experience, especially the end of a love affair. For example, A month after breaking up with Larry, Jane got engaged to Bob, a classic case of being on the rebound. This metaphoric term, alluding to the bouncing back of a ball, has been used in the present sense since the mid-1800s, although rebound alone had been used figuratively for much longer.

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Example Sentences

Enzo Le Fee picked out Nordi Mukiele and his low cross reached Diarra, whose initial effort was blocked before he pounced on the rebound to blast past Dubravka's weak attempted save.

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026

They might focus on companies that seem to be on the rebound or whose executives expect to achieve operating improvements next year.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 12, 2025

The Brazilian’s first shot was pushed away by Ederson, but there was nothing City’s goalkeeper could do when he fired home on the rebound.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 17, 2024

Borja Sainz looks to strike on the rebound but Ipswich get the block on.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2024

Will Jordie find another girl on the rebound?

From "Linked" by Gordon Korman