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Region: General | Usage example: The tech boom has been a rising tide for startups.

Rising tide

Meaning

A force that lifts all participants equally.

Usage

Used when describing broad economic uplift.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Rising tides lifting ships concept.

Used in economic contexts for decades.

Related Idioms

A rising tide lifts all boats

Overall improvement benefits everyone.

Turn the tide

Reverse the direction of events.

Time and tide wait for no man

Time moves forward regardless of our wishes.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.