revive the dead; miraculous cure; save a desperate situation
Meanings
3 senses · 6 examplesverb phrase
to revive the dead; to bring back to life
literaryOriginally used to describe miraculous medical skills in ancient contexts; it can be used literally but is often hyperbolic.
Legend has it that the ancient doctor Bian Que had the skill to revive the dead.
The efficacy of this medicine is miraculous; it's almost capable of bringing the dead back to life.
verb phrase
to have superb medical skills; to perform a miraculous cure
commendatoryCommonly used to praise a doctor's or technician's extraordinary ability to solve a seemingly hopeless problem.
This surgeon is highly skilled and has repeatedly performed miraculous saves on the operating table.
Our engineering team brought this scrapped machine back to life.
verb phrase
to save something from ruin; to turn things around
neutralUsed metaphorically for reviving failing businesses, projects, relationships, or desperate situations.
The new CEO implemented a series of reforms, saving this nearly bankrupt company from ruin.
A last-minute goal brought the team back from the brink and into the finals.