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come from behind

B2 neutral inseparable intransitive

to start behind and then catch up or win

In plain English

to be losing first and then do much better

What does "come from behind" mean?

One main meaning — here's how to use it.

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

to improve from a losing position and catch up or win

"The team came from behind to win 3–2."

inseparable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

to move starting from a position behind others

Actually means

to be losing first and then do much better

Usage tip

Very common in sports and competitions, and also used figuratively in business and politics.

Words that pair with "come from behind"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

win victory team race election campaign

How to conjugate "come from behind"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
come from behind
I/you/we/they
3rd person
comes from behind
he/she/it
Past simple
came from behind
yesterday
Past participle
come from behind
have + pp
-ing form
coming from behind
continuous

Hear "come from behind" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "come from behind" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Other ways to say "come from behind"

Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.

catch up and win fight back rally recover turn the game around

Keep exploring

Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.