To recover quickly and successfully after a difficult period or setback.
To get better again after something bad happened to you, like a ball bouncing back up after hitting the floor.
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To recover one's health, spirits, or strength after an illness, injury, or emotional difficulty.
"She bounced back remarkably quickly after her surgery and was back at work within two weeks."
I've had to bounce back from adversity many times in my life.
— Serena Williams, interview with BBC Sport, 2018
For a business, economy, or team to recover from a period of poor performance.
"The company bounced back after a difficult first quarter, posting record profits by December."
For an email or message to be returned to the sender because it could not be delivered.
"My email bounced back with an error message saying the address no longer existed."
For a ball or object to rebound back to its original position after hitting a surface.
To get better again after something bad happened to you, like a ball bouncing back up after hitting the floor.
Very positive and optimistic in tone. Widely used in sports commentary, business, health, and personal development contexts. The phrase emphasizes resilience and speed of recovery.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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