# lift all boats

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/lift-all-boats
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- A strong economy helps to lift all boats.
- The new technology improved efficiency across the entire company, which helped to lift all boats.
- By investing in universal education and infrastructure, the government aimed to implement policies that would lift all boats regardless of social status.

## Origin

From the proverb a rising tide lifts all boats.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.