ENGLISH
REFERENCE

turn the tide

idiom
Meaning

To undergo a change or reversal of a general trend.


Examples
SIMPLE

A late goal helped the team turn the tide.

CONTEXTUAL

The new manager introduced several bold strategies that helped turn the tide for the struggling company.

COMPLEX

With the arrival of reinforcements at the eleventh hour, the exhausted army finally managed to turn the tide of the long-standing conflict.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    Buggins's turn

    A humorous, disparaging term for the appointment of a person by rotation or promotion, on the basis of length of service (it being that person's "turn") rather than merit or level of qualification.

  2. 02

    good turn

    A good deed; a thoughtful or selfless act.

  3. 03

    left turn

    An unexpected change from the way things seemed to be going.

  4. 04

    serve the turn

    To suffice for one's immediate purpose or need.

  5. 05

    star turn

    An acting performance which causes the performer to become renowned.

  6. 06

    stem the tide

    To slow or stop the flow of something.

  7. 07

    take a turn

    Change in direction, tone, or tendency.

  8. 08

    take a turn for the better

    To start to become better; to improve.

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