follow-through

American  

[fol-oh-throo, -throo] / ˈfɒl oʊˌθru, -ˈθru /

noun

1. the completion of a motion, as in the stroke of a tennis racket.

2. the portion of such a motion after the ball has been hit.

3. the act of continuing a plan, project, scheme, or the like to its completion.

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follow through British  

verb

1. sport to complete (a stroke or shot) by continuing the movement to the end of its arc

2. (tr) to pursue (an aim) to a conclusion

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noun

1. sport

   1. the act of following through

   2. the part of the stroke after the ball has been hit

2. the completion of a procedure, esp after a first action

follow through Idioms  

1. In sports such as tennis or golf, carry a stroke to completion after striking the ball. For example, You don't follow through on your backhand, so it goes into the net . [Late 1800s]

2. Carry an object, project, or intention to completion; pursue fully. For example, She followed through on her promise to reorganize the department . Also see follow up , def. 1.

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Etymology

Origin of follow-through

First recorded in 1895–1900; noun use of verb phrase follow through

Example Sentences

His post Saturday was a follow-through on that threat.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 17, 2026

As buyers rotate toward areas showing sustained upside follow-through, these healthcare names look poised to extend their momentum and deliver standout performance in the weeks ahead.

From Barron's • Dec. 9, 2025

Haseeb Hameed's thin snick, Jack Leach bowled shouldering arms, Jonny Bairstow pinned lbw, Joe Root's edged drive, Mark Wood taken in the follow-through and Ollie Robinson snaffled at third slip.

From BBC • Nov. 19, 2025

If there’s measurable follow-through: Smaller-cap stocks get favorable trade.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 4, 2025

Though on in years, Mr. Keating had a stylish windup and follow-through.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck