at (something's) lowest ebb
In a state of decline; less or lower than the typical standard or expectation. The charity struggled to help those in need, as outside donations were at their lowest ebb in years. With consumer confidence at its lowest ebb, many retailers have been slashing their prices in the hopes of luring in as many customers as they can. Sales are at their lowest ebb this quarter. I think it's time we started really considering closing down the business.
at a low ebb
At a low point, like the receding tide. Please don't give me any more bad news—I'm already at a low ebb. Interest in the local soccer team is really at a low ebb, thanks to all those losing seasons. Dave's been at a low ebb ever since Marisa dumped him.
ebb and flow
1. verb To consistently increase and decrease. I wouldn't worry too much about losing money this quarter because we'll earn it back later in the year. That's just how business ebbs and flows. I know you're feeling really sad right now, but that will shift in time. Strong emotions ebb and flow. Try not to worry too much about this public blunder. The news cycle changes so rapidly anymore that attention on you will ebb and flow.
2. noun A period of consistent increase and decrease. I wouldn't worry too much because we always lose money this quarter and then earn it back later in the year. It's just the natural ebb and flow of business. Closeness and distance are just part of the ebb and flow of relationships. You get used to it after a while. I know you're frustrated by how erratic your energy's been, but I think that's just the ebb and flow of recovering from an illness.
ebb away
To recede or move away. The floodwaters are finally beginning to ebb away, thank goodness. After being stuck in bed for weeks, I'm very relieved that my illness is ebbing away. I know you're feeling really sad right now, but that will ebb away in time. Emotions are always changing.
every flow has its ebb
proverb All periods good fortune must be followed eventually by periods of ill fortune, and vice versa. ("Ebb" and "flow" are typically used in reference to the tide: "flow" for the rising of the tide and "ebb" for its receding.) I try not to get overly excited when things are going well because I know that every flow has its ebb—that's just how the universe works. Any businessperson worth their salt knows that every flow has its ebb, so they should try to save money prudently during periods of success. Don't get too fixated on the good times because every flow has its ebb.
every flow must have its ebb
proverb All periods of good fortune are followed eventually by periods of ill fortune, and vice versa. ("Ebb" and "flow" are typically used in reference to the tide: "flow" for the rising of the tide and "ebb" for its receding.) I try not to get overly excited when things are going well because I know that every flow must have its ebb—that's just how the universe works. Any businessperson worth their salt knows that every flow must have its ebb, so they should try to save money prudently during periods of success. Don't get too fixated on the good times because every flow must have its ebb.
low ebb
A state of decline. The economy is at a low ebb with no hope of recovery in the near future.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
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.
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.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
at a low ebb
At a low point, in a state of decline or depression. For example, The current recession has put our business at a low ebb. This idiom transfers the low point of a tide to a decline in human affairs. [Mid-1600s]
ebb and flow
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]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
at a low ebb
COMMON
1. If something is at a low ebb, it is failing and at a low level. Confidence in the whole project was at a low ebb. By now, the company's finances were at a low ebb. Note: You can also say that something is at its lowest ebb. Their reputation was at its lowest ebb.
2. If someone is at a low ebb, they are depressed. When I have been at a low ebb I have found the friendship and love of my fellow churchgoers to be a great comfort. Note: You can also say that someone is at their lowest ebb. I was mentally at my lowest ebb. Note: The ebb tide is one of the regular periods, usually two per day, when the sea gradually falls to a lower level, as the tide moves away from the land.
ebb and flow
COMMON The ebb and flow of something is the way that it continuously changes, especially in its amount or level. The advantage to the employer is flexibility to cope with the commercial ebb and flow. The vineyards are tucked into small clearings formed by the natural ebb and flow of the hills and the trees. Note: Ebb and flow is also used as a verb meaning to change continuously, especially in amount or level. During those thirty years the fortunes of the British film industry ebbed and flowed. Note: This expression comes from the idea of the tide ebbing and flowing (= going in and out).
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
at a low ebb
in an especially poor state.ebb and flow
a recurrent or rhythmical pattern of coming and going or decline and regrowth. This expression makes reference to the regular movement of the tides, where ebb means move away from the land and flow move back towards it.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
the ˌebb and ˈflow (of somebody/something)
the repeated, often regular, movement from one state to another; the repeated change in level, numbers or amount: the ebb and flow of money/seasons ♢ She sat quietly, enjoying the ebb and flow of conversation.This expression refers to the movement of the sea away from and towards the land.
(at) a low ˈebb
not as good, strong, successful, etc. as usual: Business confidence is at a low ebb at the moment. ♢ Our family fortunes are at a bit of a low ebb. OPPOSITE: (on) the crest of a waveThis idiom refers to a very low tide, when the sea is a long way from the land.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017