ebb (redirected from ebbs)

ebb and flow

to decrease and then increase, as with tides; a decrease followed by an increase, as with tides. The fortunes of the major political parties tend to ebb and flow over time. The ebb and flow of democracy through history is a fascinating subject.

See also: and, flow

ebb away

to recede; to subside; to flow back. His life ebbed away little by little. As the sunlight ebbed away, the sky took on a grayish color.

See also: away

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a low ebb

a bad state (not used with the ) Respect for the police is at a low ebb. 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

the ebb and flow

the way in which the level of something frequently becomes higher or lower in a situation (often + of ) The government did nothing about the recession, hoping it was just part of the ebb and flow of the economy.

See also: and, flow

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at (a) low ebb (slightly formal) also at its lowest 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.

Related vocabulary: 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.

Related vocabulary: ups and downs

See also: and, flow