# turn a setback into a comeback

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/turn-a-setback-into-a-comeback
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To use a difficult situation as an opportunity to learn and come back stronger than before.

## Examples

- 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.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.