make up lost ground
To try to come back to one's previous position after having fallen behind or suffered losses, especially in a short space of time. The home team really needs to make up lost ground as they head into the second half of the game. I was out sick for the first two months of school, so I'm trying to make up lost ground with a private tutor.
make up lost ground
If someone or something makes up lost ground, they get back some of the power or advantage which they previously lost. Yesterday's campaign launch had been brought forward by almost three weeks in an effort to make up lost ground. Note: Verbs such as recover and regain are sometimes used instead of make up. The U.S. currency recovered much of the lost ground from its collapse on Friday.