English Reference
Idiom idiom

lift all boats


To benefit all participants; to have a wide-ranging positive effect.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

A strong economy helps to lift all boats.

CONTEXTUAL

The new technology improved efficiency across the entire company, which helped to lift all boats.

COMPLEX

By investing in universal education and infrastructure, the government aimed to implement policies that would lift all boats regardless of social status.


From the proverb a rising tide lifts all boats.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    boy in the boat

    The human clitoris.

  2. 02

    float someone's boat

    To interest or appeal to someone; to make someone happy.

  3. 03

    fresh off the boat

    Newly arrived from a foreign place, especially as an immigrant who is still unfamiliar with the customs and language of their new environment.

  4. 04

    get in the boat and row

    To make a substantial effort, especially in cooperation with others in a group; also, to perform one's share of work.

  5. 05

    heavy lifting

    The most demanding part of an endeavour; work requiring the most effort, resources, or consideration.

  6. 06

    in the same boat

    In the same situation or predicament; having the same problems.

  7. 07

    lift one's game

    To improve one's performance through practice or additional effort.

  8. 08

    lift someone's spirits

    to cause someone to be cheerful or euphoric.

Last updated August 10, 2026