On the rebound
Meaning
Experiencing a new relationship or emotional state shortly after the end of a previous one, often as a coping mechanism.
Origin
The concept of a 'rebound' originates from the physical act of bouncing back after an impact, a term long established in physics and widely popularized in sports, most notably basketball, where 'rebounding' involves catching the ball after it bounces off the backboard or rim. This vivid image of springing back from a forceful event found its way into the lexicon of human emotions in the early 20th century, particularly within American English. It metaphorically describes a person 'bouncing back' from the emotional impact of a significant breakup by quickly entering a new relationship, often implying a reactive rather than a fully considered emotional state, much like a ball that is simply reacting to an impact.
Examples
- After her long-term relationship ended, she started dating someone new almost immediately, clearly on the rebound.
- His friends worried he was just on the rebound when he proposed to someone he'd known for only a month.