To turn the tide

Origin

Imagine standing on a coastline, watching the relentless ocean currents. For sailors and coastal dwellers, the tide was not just a natural phenomenon but a profound force of nature, dictating voyages, battles, and survival itself. A 'turning of the tide' meant a complete reversal: the water that had been receding now flowed in, or vice versa, drastically altering the landscape and possibilities. This powerful, undeniable shift in nature's momentum became a potent metaphor for reversing an unfavorable situation or changing the course of events, especially in naval warfare where the ebb and flow could literally determine victory or defeat, solidifying its place in the English lexicon by the 17th century.