There is a normal ebb and flow in nature, for example, when there is just the right amount of rain and when there is not enough.
There's a constant ebb and flow of traffic on the highway.
New idioms dictionary. 2014.
(the) ebb and flow (of something) — the ˌebb and ˈflow (of sth/sb) idiom the repeated, often regular, movement from one state to another; the repeated change in level, numbers or amount • the ebb and flow of the seasons • She sat in silence enjoying the ebb and flow of conversation … Useful english dictionary
(the) ebb and flow of — the ebb and flow of (something) the continually changing character of something. There is a normal ebb and flow in nature, for example, when there is just the right amount of rain and when there is not enough. Usage notes: often said about… … New idioms dictionary
(the) ebb and flow — the way in which the level of something frequently becomes higher or lower in a situation. The government did nothing about the recession, hoping it was just part of the ebb and flow of the economy. (often + of) … New idioms dictionary
the ebb and flow — 1) the way that a situation keeps changing between two states, for example in a game, fight, or argument the ebb and flow of debate 2) a situation in which something keeps becoming larger or stronger, and then smaller or weaker the ebb and flow… … English dictionary
ebb and flow — noun 1. : the alternate ebb and flood of the tide 2. : a condition or rhythm of alternate forward and backward movement or of alternate decline and renewed advance the ebb and flow of battle the ebbs and flows of business * * * ebb and flow, 1.… … Useful english dictionary
flow — 1 noun 1 MOVEMENT OF LIQUID (countable usually singular) a smooth steady movement or supply of liquid: Smoking affects the flow of blood to the brain. 2 SUPPLY/MOVEMENT (countable usually singular) a continuous supply or movement of something… … Longman dictionary of contemporary English
flow — flow1 W2S2 [fləu US flou] n ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 1¦(liquid/gas/electricity)¦ 2¦(traffic)¦ 3¦(goods/people/information)¦ 4¦(speech/writing)¦ 5¦(of the sea)¦ 6 in full flow 7 go with the flow 8 go against the flow ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 1.) … Dictionary of contemporary English
ebb — ebb1 [ eb ] noun singular 1. ) ebb or ebb tide the process in which the ocean level on a coast becomes lower 2. ) a period when something gradually becomes smaller or less: an apparent ebb in the fighting be at/reach (a) low ebb to be in a very… … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
ebb — [[t]e̱b[/t]] ebbs, ebbing, ebbed 1) VERB When the tide or the sea ebbs, its level gradually falls. As the tide ebbs, an ominous swell begins to run in. 2) N COUNT: usu the N The ebb or the ebb tide is one of the regular periods, usually two per… … English dictionary
ebb — ebb1 [eb] n [: Old English; Origin: ebba] 1.) [singular] also ebb tide the flow of the sea away from the shore, when the ↑tide goes out ≠ ↑flood tide 2.) be at a low ebb to be in a bad state or condition ▪ His confidence is at a lo … Dictionary of contemporary English
