stems the tide
Checks the surge
To stem the tide is to stop or slow an advancing force or trend, especially one that seems powerful or inevitable.
The image is of holding back rushing water: The new policy failed to stem the tide of unemployment.
Often used when the effort is difficult or ultimately futile: Nothing could stem the tide of public opinion turning against him.
- sandbagWeighted sack for barriers
- sea wallCoastal flood defense structure
- waveOscillating motion through medium
- counteractNullify by opposing force
- haltComplete sudden stop
stop the bleeding · levee · last resort · hold · hold back · dike · wall · restrain · current · mitigate · block · surge · dam · flood control · prevent · trend · staunch · resist
stems the tidegives way
Surrenders or collapses
gives in · capitulates · yields · succumbs · caves in
stems the tideopens the floodgates
Permits sudden overwhelming influx
unleashes · lets loose · adds fuel to the fire · fans the flames · accelerates