# stem the tide

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/stem-the-tide
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To slow or stop the flow of something.

## Examples

- We need new rules to stem the tide of complaints.
- The government introduced emergency measures to stem the tide of rising inflation across the country.
- Despite the heroic efforts of the medical staff to stem the tide of the epidemic, the hospital remained overwhelmed by the sheer volume of patients.

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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.