1 B1 neutral
Of an elastic or spring-loaded object, to return quickly to its original shape or position
"The branch sprang back when he let go, scattering leaves everywhere."
inseparable
spring back
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
To return quickly to an original position or shape due to elasticity; or to recover quickly from difficulty
In plain English
To pop back to where you started, like a rubber band that you stretch and then let go
What does "spring back" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To recover quickly from a setback, illness, or difficulty
"The local economy has started to spring back after years of decline."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To spring (jump quickly) back to a previous position — fully transparent
Actually means
To pop back to where you started, like a rubber band that you stretch and then let go
Usage tip
In the physical sense, used for elastic or spring-loaded materials. In the figurative sense, describes someone or something recovering quickly from adversity — slightly less common than 'bounce back' in this sense. Both senses are natural in everyday speech.
Words that pair with "spring back"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
elastic lid shape hair economy position
How to conjugate "spring back"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
spring back
I/you/we/they
3rd person
springs back
he/she/it
Past simple
springed back
yesterday
Past participle
springed back
have + pp
-ing form
springing back
continuous
Hear "spring back" in the wild
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Other ways to say "spring back"
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