Phrase guide

on the mend

prep_phrase · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

prep_phrase

Meaning 1

Healing or recovering, as from an injury or illness.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • My foot is on the mend but it still hurts to walk.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

prep_phrase

Meaning 2

Improving or undergoing restoration to a previous, more favorable condition.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively

Examples

  • Our marriage went through a difficult time, but now it is on the mend.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: en voie de guérison — Healing or recovering
  • Hungarian: gyógyulófélben — Healing or recovering
  • Italian: in via di guarigione — Healing or recovering
  • Italian: in netto miglioramento — Improving