巻き返し
Meanings
Used for regaining momentum or turning a situation around, especially in sports, politics, or business. Often implies a counterattack after being on the defensive.
In the second half, the team staged a brilliant comeback.
The opposition party is aiming for a rally in the next election.
winding back; rewinding
Literal action of winding thread, film, or similar material back. Less common than the figurative sense; often replaced by 巻き戻し in modern contexts.
Once the thread rewinding is finished, we move to the next step.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉が巻き返しを図るfor someone to attempt a comeback
Entering the second half, the team tried to stage a comeback.
- 〈人〉が巻き返しに成功するfor someone to succeed in making a comeback
The candidate succeeded in making a comeback during the election campaign.
- 〈人〉が巻き返しを狙うfor someone to aim for a comeback
The struggling company is aiming for a comeback with a new product.
- 〈人〉が巻き返しを見せるfor someone to show a rally or comeback
In the second half, they showed an impressive rally.