dead-cat bounce
noun
: a brief and insignificant recovery (as of stock prices) after a steep decline
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Did March 14 mark the start of a durable rally, or is this merely a dead-cat bounce of the type that often occurs in bear markets? 
James Mackintosh, WSJ, 2 Apr. 2022 The Academy, understanding all of this, has made big changes that are bound to fail, although the ratings mayenjoy a dead-cat bounce. Kyle Smith, National Review, 26 Mar. 2022
James Mackintosh, WSJ, 2 Apr. 2022 The Academy, understanding all of this, has made big changes that are bound to fail, although the ratings mayenjoy a dead-cat bounce. Kyle Smith, National Review, 26 Mar. 2022 Word History
Etymology
from the facetious notion that even a dead cat would bounce slightly if dropped from a sufficient height
First Known Use
1985, in the meaning defined above
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