PhrasesHub

turn the tide

    Definitions

      • change the course of events
        To reverse a situation, often from a negative to a positive outcome

      • achieve a decisive change in favor of one side
        To shift the balance in a competition or conflict in favor of one party

    Examples of turn the tide

    • The sudden increase in sales helped our company turn the tide against the competition.

      This idiom is used to describe a significant change in events or circumstances that leads to a positive outcome. In this example, "turn the tide" refers to reversing the direction of the competition towards our company. It suggests that our sales increase was a decisive factor in making our company more successful than our competitors.

    • After years of losing elections, the new political party managed to turn the tide and win a majority in the parliament.

      This example illustrates the idiom's application to political contexts. When a political party "turns the tide," it means that it has gained more support and won a majority in the legislative body. It implies that the party's new strategies and policies were successful in winning over voters.

    • The successful marketing campaign helped the company turn the tide against the negative public opinion.

      This example shows the significance of reputational management in modern business. By "turning the tide," the company was able to counteract the negative opinions that had been formed about it. It suggests that the marketing campaign was an effective way to change people's perceptions of the company.

    • We need to turn the tide in our favor if we want to win this battle.

      This example demonstrates the versatility of the idiom beyond commercial and political contexts. In a broader sense, "turning the tide" connotes a shift in circumstances that favors one party over another. In this case, it indicates that the speaker wants to win a particular battle, but they need to adopt a new approach to achieve success.

    • The underdog team's comeback in the second half of the game turned the tide and they won by a narrow margin.

      In this example, "turn the tide" is being used to describe a significant shift in the fortunes of a team during a game, from being behind to eventually winning. This idiom suggests that the tide, which can represent a negative trend or unfavorable circumstance, was reversed and turned in the team's favor, leading to a positive outcome.

    • The pro-environment activists' persistent lobbying finally turned the tide and the government agreed to reverse the decision to allow oil drilling in the protected area.

      In this example, "turn the tide" is being used to describe a significant shift in public opinion or government policy, from being favorable to a negative cause to eventually being opposed to it. This idiom suggests that the tide, which can also represent a trend or popular opinion, was reversed and turned against the cause, leading to a positive outcome for the activists.

    • After months of sleepless nights and hard work, my project finally turned the tide and received critical acclaim from industry experts.

      In this example, "turn the tide" is being used to describe a significant shift in the perception or evaluation of a person's work or project, from being overlooked or criticized to eventually being recognized and praised. This idiom suggests that the tide, which can also represent a trend or expert opinion, was reversed and turned in favor of the project, leading to a positive outcome for the person.

    • The country's economy has been in a slump for years, but recent investments and reforms seem to have turned the tide and the growth rate is finally looking promising.

      In this example, "turn the tide" is being used to describe a significant shift in the economic conditions of a country, from being in a prolonged state of decline to eventually experiencing growth. This idiom suggests that the tide, which can also represent a trend or economic climate, was reversed and turned in favor of the country, leading to a positive outcome.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "turn the tide" is used to describe the act of reversing a situation or achieving a decisive change in favor of one side. It can be used in a variety of contexts, from personal struggles to larger-scale conflicts. The intention is to bring about a positive change and shift the balance in a particular situation.

    This idiom is often used to inspire hope and determination, as it suggests that even in challenging circumstances, it is possible to change the course of events. It can also be used to encourage perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. Overall, "turn the tide" is a powerful phrase that conveys the idea of overcoming obstacles and achieving a positive outcome.

    Origin of "turn the tide"

    The origin of the idiom "turn the tide" can be traced back to its literal meaning, which refers to the changing of the direction of the ocean's tide. In a figurative sense, the idiom likely originated from the idea of a decisive change in a battle or conflict, where the turning of the tide could determine the outcome. Over time, it has come to be used more broadly to describe any situation in which a significant change occurs, particularly one that shifts the balance in favor of one side.

    The idiom has been used in literature, speeches, and everyday conversation to convey the idea of a dramatic reversal of fortune. It is a powerful and evocative phrase that continues to resonate with people as they seek to overcome challenges and achieve success.