make a comeback
To overcome a deficit in a sport, game, election, or other contest. After being down five goals at the start of the third period, they made a remarkable comeback and tied the game with mere seconds to spare. After analysts predicted her campaign was dead in the water two months ago, the candidate appears to be making an incredible comeback.
make a comeback
to return to one's former (successful) career. After ten years in retirement, the singer made a comeback. You're never too old to make a comeback.
make a comeback
Also, stage a comeback. Achieve a success after retirement or failure, as in After years in mediocre movies, she made a comeback on Broadway, or The humble hamburger is about to stage a comeback. [Colloquial; c. 1920] Also see come back, def. 1.
comeback, to make/stage a
To return to one’s former standing, after a withdrawal or a lapse in popularity or ability. This term originated in America about 1900 or so. “With a little effort you could still stage a comeback,” wrote F. Scott Fitzgerald in This Side of Paradise (1920).