prodigal son

the prodigal son

One who has returned after spending time away doing or pursuing something that was not condoned by the family or organization they had left, and who is now repentant for their actions. The phrase comes from a parable in the Bible about a son who leaves his father to seek his fortune and returns humbled. Well, looky here, the prodigal son has returned. Guess you didn't like that fancy new company that poached you last year.
See also: prodigal, son
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

prodigal son

a person who leaves home to lead a spendthrift and extravagant way of life but later makes a repentant return.
The biblical parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15: 11–32 tells the story of the spendthrift younger son of a wealthy man who leaves home and wastes all his money. When he repents of his extravagant ways and returns home, he is joyfully welcomed back by his father. See also kill the fatted calf (at fatted).
See also: prodigal, son
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

a/the prodigal ˈson

(formal, disapproving or humorous) a person who leaves home as a young man and wastes his money and time on a life of pleasure, but who is later sorry about this and returns to his family: All the family went to the airport to welcome home the prodigal son.This expression comes from a story in the Bible.
See also: prodigal, son
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • a/the prodigal son
  • prodigal
  • the prodigal son
  • advise against (something)
  • measure (someone or sth) (up) against (someone or sth else)
  • measure against
  • measure up against
  • measured
  • always chasing rainbows
  • rainbow
References in periodicals archive
Something about the Prodigal Son called both of us home.
The prodigal sons who come to their father's house for the Bread of Life discover this limit if they kneel to receive Communion.
A spokesman for manufacturers Falcon Games said they had stopped making the Return Of The Prodigal Son jigsaw, so it would be impossible for them to provide the final piece.
The 214 attendees at A Siren's Soiree (titled after Mounsey's signature role in Balanchine's Prodigal Son) included many generations of students from the Westside School of Ballet, which she co-founded more than 40 years ago and continues to direct today.
Almost everyone knows the Biblical story of the prodigal son who runs away from home to recklessly spend his inheritance only to return penniless.
Shepard ties Buried Child not only to Desire under the Elms, but also to the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32).
There are others, of course, as he applies the biblical parable The Prodigal Son to literature criticism.
He isn't the only prodigal son to turn up as Nick returns the money Dot gave him at Christmas.
Diving into the turbulence of colour, which will reveal his destiny as an artist, young Harwan is ecstatic at his power to paint, and in that state of trance he approaches Rembrandt's painting The Return of the Prodigal Son. He approaches it to the point of entering into it, of grafting himself onto it, of himself becoming the son prostrated before the father and receiving the blessing of forgiveness.
Jesus' parable of the Prodigal Son recounts the misadventures of a young man from a well-to-do family who demands his inheritance early and proceeds to squander it on what the King James Version calls (with admirable economy of language) "riotous living." Then a famine--the biblical equivalent of a deep recession--sets in.
Big House The Birdman Pinot Grigio 2006, made from 78% pinot grigio and 22% sauvignon blanc sourced in Monterey County, is a refreshing white with apple and citrus flavors; Big House The Lineup G/S/M 2006 is made from 50% grenache (the G), 30% syrah (the S) and 20% mourvedre (the M), featuring raspberries, blackberries and some spice; Big House The Slammer Syrah 2006, made from 85% syrah and 15% petite sirah from Monterey; and Big House The Prodigal Son Petite Sirah 2005, is made of 100% petite sirah from Paso Robles.
Big House The Birdman Pinot Grigio 2006, made from 78% pinot grigio and 22 % sauvignon blanc sourced in Monterey County, is a refreshing white with apple and citrus flavors; Big House The Lineup G/S/M 2006 is made from 50% grenache (the G), 30% syrah (the S) and 20% mourvedre (the M), featuring raspberries, blackberries and some spice; Big House The Slammer Syrah 2006, made from 85% syrah and 15% petite sirah from Monterey; and Big House The Prodigal Son Petite Sirah 2005, is made of 100% petite sirah from Paso Robles.
Having performed on Later With Jools Holland and been nominated for five Radio 2 Folk Awards, Martin is now touring with his Prodigal Son album.
WE first told you about Brum band Envy & Other Sins back in 2005 when they released debut single Prodigal Son, a rock anthem that sounded like Turin Brakes on steroids.
The parables of the sower, the Good Samaritan, and the Prodigal Son, among others, are put into a modern setting, after which participants discuss the lessons and ways to apply Jesus' teachings.