on the rebound

Meaning

To be 'on the rebound' means to be in a vulnerable emotional state immediately after a romantic relationship ends. People in this state often start a new relationship quickly to distract themselves from the pain of the breakup. It is a casual expression and sometimes carries a warning that the new relationship might not last.

Examples

• Don't get too serious with him; he's just on the rebound.

  Don't get too serious with him; he's just on the rebound.

• She started dating Mark on the rebound right after her engagement ended.

  She started dating Mark on the rebound right after her engagement ended.

• I was on the rebound when I met my current partner, but it actually worked out.

  I was on the rebound when I met my current partner, but it actually worked out.

• Dating someone on the rebound can be emotionally risky.

  Dating someone on the rebound can be emotionally risky.

• He admitted he only went out with her because he was on the rebound.

  He admitted he only went out with her because he was on the rebound.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ She is in the rebound after her breakup.

  ✓ She is on the rebound after her breakup.

  The idiomatic preposition is always 'on', not 'in'.

• ✗ He rebound dated her.

  ✓ He dated her on the rebound.

  While 'rebound' can be a noun or verb in sports, in relationships we use the prepositional phrase 'on the rebound' to describe this state.

Related Expressions

Practice

• He is vulnerable right now because he is ___ after his long-term relationship ended.

  💡 Dating again quickly to recover from a breakup.

  Show answer

  on the rebound

• Be careful dating someone who is ___.

  💡 Still recovering emotionally from a recent ex.

  Show answer

  on the rebound