make up leeway

make up (the) leeway

To overcome some delay, disadvantage, or setback and return to a normal or optimal position. We got sidetracked with the lunch party, but hopefully we can make up the leeway by getting everyone to pitch in with loading the trucks. The companies who survived the recession have been slowly making up leeway as the economy recovers.
See also: leeway, make, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

make up (the) leeway

struggle out of a bad position, especially by recovering lost time. British
Leeway , which dates from the mid 17th century, was the nautical term for the drift of a ship towards the side downwind of its course. The figurative use of this phrase dates from the early 19th century.
See also: leeway, make, up
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

make up ˈleeway

(British English) get out of a bad position that you are in, especially because you have lost a lot of time: By now, James was so far behind in the race that he knew he had little chance of making up the leeway.
See also: leeway, make, up
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • leeway
  • make up (the) leeway
  • make up the time
  • be on the back foot
  • roar back
  • on the back foot
  • suffer a setback
  • get screwed
  • put somebody/be at a disadvantage
  • be at a disadvantage