ebb and flow

1. 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]

Example Sentences

Though Farsi knows how to ask for details about her life in Gaza, the vibe isn’t one of interviews conducted to make a film, but a genuine curiosity and warmth, the ebb and flow of real interaction captured whenever possible.

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And although a political trend may ebb and flow, there is reason to think that this movement will endure, at least for the immediate future.

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Wind could gust and waves could crash and currents could ebb and flow, but that station wouldn’t budge as long as its engines were active.

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“If the fundamentals of the economy and the stocks within the market are still strong, then we just see that within the normal ebb and flow of daily stock-price movements,” Hainlin said.

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“If the fundamentals of the economy and the stocks within the market are still strong, then we just see that within the normal ebb and flow of daily stock-price movements,” Hainlin said.

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Related Words

• oscillate 
• seesaw 
• vary 
• veer 
• waver