ebb and flow

Idioms and Phrases

A decline and increase, constant fluctuations. For example, He was fascinated by the ebb and flow of the Church's influence over the centuries . This expression alludes to the inward and outward movement of ocean tides. [Late 1500s]

Example Sentences

‘Lifeform’ is me trying to say, this is the form of my life,” whether that be the ebb and flow of existence, or the acknowledgment of being but one tiny organism that makes up the universe.

From Los Angeles Times

He said the strength of the lights would ebb and flow throughout the evening, but the lights may be captured at different times throughout the night.

From BBC

"Historically, cheesemaking has been an activity tied to the ebb and flow of nature"

From Salon

Historically, cheesemaking has been an activity tied to the ebb and flow of nature.

From Salon

Normally, concerts ebb and flow, but the audience at the Manchester Academy knew more than just the singles.

From BBC

Related Words

• oscillate
• seesaw
• vary
• veer
• waver