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stem the tide

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stem the tide

to stop something from increasing This law may stem the tide of pollution of our beautiful river from the factories built along its banks.

See also: stem, tide

stem the tide

to stop something bad which is happening a lot (often + of ) We have to stem the tide of emigration if our economy is to recover. Ohio State were losing 24-48 when Jackson stepped in to stem the tide.

See also: stem, tide

stem the tide

Stop the course of a trend or tendency, as in It is not easy to stem the tide of public opinion. This idiom uses stem in the sense of "stop" or "restrain." [Mid-1800s]

See also: stem, tide