turn the tide
Shift momentum decisively
To turn the tide is to reverse the direction of events, especially when things have been going badly.
The image comes from ocean tides shifting from ebb to flow.
A single play can turn the tide of a game; a new strategy might turn the tide of a war.
The phrase implies a decisive shift in momentum or fortune.
- reversalComplete change of direction
- comebackRecovery after decline
- come from behindOvercome a deficit
- breakthroughSudden important advance
- seize the momentAct on present opportunity
prevail · fight back · changeover · shift · momentum · gain ground · pivot · watershed moment · revolution · rally · game-changer · ebb · decisive moment · upheaval · buck the trend · conquer · overcome · snatch victory
- turn phrasesabout face
- Nautical Idiomsbatten down the hatches, all hands on deck, smooth sailing, three sheets to the wind, in the same boat
- turn the tablesrevenge, payback, comeback, retaliation, counterattack
- power idiomspull strings, hold sway, call the shots, throw weight around, power play
turn the tidestay the course
Continue despite difficulties
go with the flow · let it ride · hold steady · keep the ball rolling
turn the tidenail in the coffin
lose ground · go with the flow · fall behind · go from bad to worse · add fuel to the fire
turn, return, tide, turning, turned, returned, returns, turns, overturn