Definition of the word tide over

The phrase "tide over" originated in the 16th century, during a time when coastal towns and villages relied heavily on the tides for transportation and commerce. "Tide" in this context referred not only to the periodic rising and falling of seawater but also to the cycles of life and movement in general. The word "over" in the phrase initially conveyed a sense of duration or continuance, as in "to keep going" or "to sustain." When applied to the tide, it meant "to carry over" or "to bear through" the period between high and low water levels, allowing ships and merchandise to be transported without delay or danger. As the usage of the word "tide over" spread beyond its original maritime context, it came to denote any means of sustaining or getting by during difficult times. This may have been influenced by the metaphorical use of "tides" to describe human emotions and states of being, as in "tides of joy" or "seas of grief." Today, the expression "tide over" is commonly used in a variety of situations, from managing the costs of unexpected expenses to enduring periods of scarcity or hardship. Its origins in the rhythms and cycles of the natural world continue to resonate with us as a potent metaphor for the ebbs and flows of human experience.