to rise like a phoenix

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Phenix \Phe"nix\, n.; pl. Phenixes. [L. phoenix, Gr. foi^nix.] [Written also ph[oe]nix.]

1.(Gr. Myth.) A bird fabled to exist single, to be consumed by fire by its own act, and to rise again from its ashes. Hence, an emblem of immortality. [1913 Webster]

2.(Astron.) A southern constellation. [1913 Webster]

3.A marvelous person or thing. [R.] --Latimer. [1913 Webster]

4.A person or thing that suffered destruction or defeat and was restored to its former state. [PJC]

to rise like a phoenix, to resume an endeavor after an apparently final defeat. [PJC]