tide over

tide ¹  (td)

n.

1.

a. The periodic variation in the surface level of the oceans and of bays, gulfs, inlets, and estuaries, caused by gravitational attraction of the moon and sun.

b. A specific occurrence of such a variation: awaiting the next high tide.

c. Flood tide.

2. Tidal force.

3. Something that fluctuates like the waters of the tide: a rising tide of discontent. See Synonyms at flow.

4. A time or season. Often used in combination: eventide; Christmastide; Shrovetide.

5. A favorable occasion; an opportunity.

v. tid·ed, tid·ing, tides

v.intr.

1. To rise and fall like the tide.

2. Nautical To drift or ride with the tide: tided off the reef; tiding up the Hudson.

v.tr.

To carry along with or as if with the tide.

Phrasal Verb:

tide over

To support through a difficult period: I asked for $100 to tide me over till payday.

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[Middle English, from Old English td, division of time; see d- in Indo-European roots.]

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tide over

Verb

[tiding, tided] to help (someone) to get through a period of difficulty or distress: they need some form of Social Security to tide them over

Thesaurus

Verb

1.

tide over - suffice for a period between two points; "This money will keep us going for another year" bridge over, keep going suffice, answer, do, serve - be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity; "A few words would answer"; "This car suits my purpose well"; "Will $100 do?"; "A 'B' grade doesn't suffice to get me into medical school"; "Nothing else will serve"