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Region: General | Usage example: Good marketing turned the tide on the lagging campaign.

Turn the tide

Meaning

Reverse the direction of events.

Usage

Used when shifts produce new momentum.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Naval imagery where tides turn and change currents.

Used in weather reports and war accounts since the 19th century.

Related Idioms

Turn the tables

Reverse a situation to gain advantage.

Turn on a dime

Change direction rapidly.

Turn over a new leaf

Make a fresh start or change behavior for the better.

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.