Found 1 items, similar to Ebb and flow.
English → English (gcide) Definition: Ebb and flow Ebb \Ebb\, n. [AS. ebba; akin to Fries. ebba, D. eb, ebbe, Dan. & G. ebbe, Sw. ebb, cf. Goth. ibuks backward; prob. akin to E. even.] 1. The reflux or flowing back of the tide; the return of the tidal wave toward the sea; -- opposed to flood; as, the boats will go out on the ebb. [1913 Webster] Thou shoreless flood which in thy ebb and flow Claspest the limits of morality! --Shelley. [1913 Webster] 2. The state or time of passing away; a falling from a better to a worse state; low state or condition; decline; decay. “Our ebb of life.” --Roscommon. [1913 Webster] Painting was then at its lowest ebb. --Dryden. [1913 Webster] Ebb and flow, the alternate ebb and flood of the tide; often used figuratively. [1913 Webster] This alternation between unhealthy activity and depression, this ebb and flow of the industrial. --A. T. Hadley. [1913 Webster]