turn a setback into a comeback
To use a difficult situation as an opportunity to learn and come back stronger than before.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He learned from his mistakes to turn a setback into a comeback.”
“After losing his job, he decided to start his own business and turn a setback into a comeback.”
“The athlete used the long months of injury recovery to refine her technique and successfully turn a setback into a comeback.”
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Buggins's turn
A humorous, disparaging term for the appointment of a person by rotation or promotion, on the basis of length of service (it being that person's "turn") rather than merit or level of qualification.
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everything one touches turns to gold
Everything someone uses or does succeeds or becomes better.
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everything one touches turns to shit
Everything someone uses or does fails or becomes worse.
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good turn
A good deed; a thoughtful or selfless act.
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left turn
An unexpected change from the way things seemed to be going.
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poacher turned gamekeeper
A person now charged with protecting what they formerly preyed upon.
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serve the turn
To suffice for one's immediate purpose or need.
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star turn
An acting performance which causes the performer to become renowned.
Last updated August 10, 2026