English Reference
Idiom idiom

tide over


To support or sustain (someone), especially financially, for a limited period.

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


SIMPLE

Can you lend me ten dollars to tide me over until payday?

CONTEXTUAL

I have enough savings to tide me over for a few months while I look for a new job.

COMPLEX

The small emergency grant was intended only to tide the displaced family over until they could secure more permanent housing and employment.


Related idioms2entries
  1. 01

    stem the tide

    To slow or stop the flow of something.

  2. 02

    turn the tide

    To undergo a change or reversal of a general trend.

Last updated August 10, 2026