1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To recover from a losing or disadvantaged position and catch up with or overtake competitors.
"The cyclist came up from behind in the final kilometre to win the race by a fraction of a second."
inseparable
come up from behind
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To advance from a disadvantaged or trailing position and catch up with or overtake others.
In plain English
To start last or losing and then move forward to catch up or win.
What does "come up from behind" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To physically approach someone or something from the rear.
"I didn't hear him; he came up from behind and tapped me on the shoulder."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move upward and forward from a position at the rear.
Actually means
To start last or losing and then move forward to catch up or win.
Usage tip
Used in sports, business, and politics to describe a dramatic recovery from a disadvantaged position. Can also be used literally to describe physical approach from the rear. The competitive/figurative sense is more common.
Words that pair with "come up from behind"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
race competition election field pack standings
How to conjugate "come up from behind"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
come up from behind
I/you/we/they
3rd person
comes up from behind
he/she/it
Past simple
came up from behind
yesterday
Past participle
come up from behind
have + pp
-ing form
coming up from behind
continuous
Hear "come up from behind" in the wild
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