stem the tide

Idioms  

1. Stop the course of a trend or tendency, as in It is not easy to stem the tide of public opinion. This idiom uses stem in the sense of “stop” or “restrain.” [Mid-1800s]

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Example Sentences

I observed the left parties and protesters in France working toward a broad coalition in civil society that might stem the tide of the far right.

From Salon • Mar. 28, 2026

City were unable to stem the tide of Tottenham pressure and Solanke produced a sensational scorpion kick equaliser from Conor Gallagher's cross.

From Barron's • Feb. 1, 2026

USC was able to stem the tide briefly, only for Ohio State to come roaring back.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2025

But although screening at publishers is helpful, the arms race between screening methods and tricksters means it is unlikely to stem the tide of problematic papers entirely.

From Science Magazine • May 31, 2024

She is unable to stem the tide of junk mail that will continue to arrive for years, addressed to her dead husband.

From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri