ebb

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)

See also: flow

a low ebb

a bad state. Respect for the police is at a low ebb. (not used with the) I'd just separated from my wife and was at a fairly low ebb. (= was feeling sad and without hope) Relations between the two countries have reached their lowest ebb (= are the worst they have been) since the second world war.

See also: low

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at (a) low ebb

below the usual condition or standard. The divorce comes at a time when Jackson's career is at a low ebb. Support for the arts has reached its lowest ebb and we hope it won't go any lower.

up to par

See also: low

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 something that regularly gets larger and smaller: There's a constant ebb and flow of traffic on the highway.

ups and downs

See also: flow