slipping back
Returning to old ways
Slipping back describes returning to a previous, usually worse state or condition after having made progress.
Someone recovering from addiction might slip back into old habits.
A patient might slip back after initial improvement.
The phrase suggests gradual, often involuntary regression: She was slipping back into depression.
It implies the return happens quietly, without deliberate choice.
- backslidingReverting to former sins
- revertingReturning to earlier state
- relapseReturn to former illness
- retrogressionMovement to earlier state
- declineDecrease or refuse
deteriorating · backtracking · retreating · decay · return · losing ground · receding · recidivism · falling · undoing · recoiling · devolution · eroding · withdrawing · destabilizing · stagnating · atavism · setback
slipping backmoving forward
Continuing toward a goal
advancing · progressing · pushing ahead · forging ahead · gaining ground
slipping backrecovering
Regaining health or strength
improving · bouncing back · getting better · healing · rallying
slipping backpushing forward
Continuing toward a goal
breaking through · building momentum · gaining traction · making strides · accelerating
slip, slipping, slipped, slips, slipper, slippers, slippery, back, backs