ebb and flow

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   The regular movement of the tide out and then back in.

   Grammar: Used as a noun phrase with 'the': the ebb and flow of the tide.

   Patterns

   • the ebb and flow of the tide

   Children played in the pools left by the ebb and flow of the sea.

   Fishermen plan their day around the ebb and flow of the tide.

   The ebb and flow of the river is clear from the muddy banks.

2. 2phrasefixed phrasefigurative

   A repeated pattern of increase and decrease in something, such as a mood, activity or fortune.

   Grammar: Usually followed by 'of': the ebb and flow of conversation.

   Patterns

   • the ebb and flow of something

   Shopkeepers know the ebb and flow of customers through the year.

   Their friendship survived the usual ebb and flow of busy lives.

   The ebb and flow of the conversation kept everyone interested.

Common combinations

natural ebb and flow

A natural ebb and flow of work followed the school calendar.

ebb and flow of the tide

The ebb and flow of the tide shaped the beach each day.

ebb and flow of conversation

She followed the ebb and flow of conversation at dinner.

ebb and flow of support

The party saw an ebb and flow of support over the decade.

accept the ebb and flow

Good managers accept the ebb and flow of demand.

Synonyms and how they differ

rise and fall

Rise and fall is plainer and fits any up-and-down change, while ebb and flow suggests a gentle, repeating, wave-like rhythm.

ups and downs

Ups and downs is informal and often suggests troubles and successes in a life, whereas ebb and flow is calmer and more neutral.

waxing and waning

Waxing and waning is more literary and borrowed from the moon, and suggests slow growth and shrinking.

fluctuation

Fluctuation is a single formal noun for irregular change, but ebb and flow suggests a steady rhythm in both directions.

Opposites

Word family

ebb verb

to flow back, or to gradually become weaker

ebb tide noun

the falling tide

flow verb

to move steadily in one direction

flood tide noun

the rising tide

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “ebb and flow”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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