Definition

Noun: 1. The incoming tide; the period when the tide is coming in: This is the literal, physical meaning. It refers to the regular, predictable movement of ocean water as its level rises from low tide to high tide. 2. A growing force, movement, or trend that brings widespread change: This is a figurative meaning. It describes a powerful, increasing wave of sentiment, opinion, or activity that is becoming strong enough to effect significant change, often used in social, political, or economic contexts.

Usage Examples

• Literal (Noun):
  • We set off at dawn to catch the rising tide and make the journey easier.
  • The rising tide slowly covered the sandbars, cutting off the path back to shore.
• Figurative (Noun):
  • The candidate's message resonated with a rising tide of public dissatisfaction.
  • The company succeeded by riding the rising tide of digital innovation.

Advanced Usage

• "A rising tide lifts all boats": This is a common proverb. It suggests that an improvement in the general economic or social situation will benefit all participants, not just a select few.
  • The mayor argued that investing in infrastructure was crucial because a rising tide lifts all boats.

Variants and Related Words

• Flood tide (n): A synonym for the literal meaning of a rising tide. It can also be used figuratively.
• Ebb tide (n): The opposite of a rising tide; the period when the tide is going out. It is often used figuratively to describe a decline or weakening.

Synonyms

• Incoming tide (n): For the literal meaning.
• Groundswell (n): For the figurative meaning, emphasizing a spontaneous, broad-based increase.
• Surge (n): For the figurative meaning, emphasizing a sudden, powerful increase.

Related Idioms

• "To swim with/against the tide": To conform to or oppose a prevailing trend or opinion.
  • While popular opinion shifted, the journalist chose to swim against the tide.
• "To turn the tide": To reverse the course of events, especially from unfavorable to favorable.
  • The new evidence helped turn the tide in the court case.

Noun

1. the occurrence of incoming water (between a low tide and the following high tide)
   • a tide in the affairs of men which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune -Shakespeare