tɜːrn ðə taɪd
Nature & Weather
neutral
intermediate
- Literally:
- Changing the direction of ocean tides
What does "turn the tide" mean?
- To reverse the course of events
- To change momentum in one's favor
Examples
- This discovery could turn the tide in the fight against cancer.
- Her testimony turned the tide of the trial.
- We need something to turn the tide in our favor.
Origin
From the power of ocean tides. Turning them would be changing an unstoppable force. Used figuratively since the 1800s.
How to use it
Often used about significant changes in battles, elections, or struggles.
Similar expressions
change the course
shift momentum
reverse fortune
Opposites
continue decline
keep losing
maintain status quo
Related idioms
- out of the blue
Unexpectedly; without warning
- beat around the bush
To avoid talking about the main point of a conversation
- every cloud has a silver lining
There is something positive in every negative situation
- go with the flow
To accept things as they are and adapt accordingly
- once in a blue moon
Very rarely; almost never
- tip of the iceberg
A small visible part of a much larger hidden problem
Use it in a practice answer
Try "turn the tide" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.