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

Within these communities exists an informal collectivism, an ebb and flow of residents, of families, of neighbors coming together at farmer’s markets, in city parks and common spaces, in a tacit recognition of shared values.

From Los Angeles Times

"Rainbow Laces has benefited from a wide range of partners with a natural ebb and flow reflecting cultural and sporting changes," a Stonewall spokesperson said.

From BBC

A little insight into my life growing up: My dad is the greatest dude, and he’s been successful and he’s been not successful — just kind of ebb and flow of life.

From Los Angeles Times

“We see this ebb and flow,” said Shawn Robbins, founder of the website Box Office Theory.

From Los Angeles Times

We banged out meals for a while, Lydia amusing us with her usual patter, Tommy dunking clams and shrimp into hot grease, the usual ebb and flow of a busy kitchen.

From Salon

Related Words

• oscillate 
• seesaw 
• vary 
• veer 
• waver