词汇 | ebbs |
释义 | (redirected from ebbs)at (something's) lowest ebbIn a state of decline; less or lower than the typical standard or expectation. The charity struggled to help those in need, as outside donations were at their lowest ebb in years. low ebbA state of decline. The economy is at a low ebb with no hope of recovery in the near future. at a low ebbAt a low point, like the receding tide. Please don't give me any more bad news—I'm already at a low ebb. Interest in the local soccer team is really at a low ebb, thanks to all those losing seasons. ebb and flow1. verb To consistently increase and decrease. I wouldn't worry too much about losing money this quarter because we'll earn it back later in the year. That's just how business ebbs and flows. 2. noun A period of consistent increase and decrease. I wouldn't worry too much because we always lose money this quarter and then earn it back later in the year. It's just the natural ebb and flow of business. ebb awayTo recede or move away. The floodwaters are finally beginning to ebb away, thank goodness. After being stuck in bed for weeks, I'm very relieved that my illness is ebbing away. ebb and flowto decrease and then increase, as with tides; a decrease followed by an increase, as with tides. The fortunes of the major political parties tend to ebb and flow over time. The ebb and flow of democracy through history is a fascinating subject. ebb awayto recede; to subside; to flow back. His life ebbed away little by little. As the sunlight ebbed away, the sky took on a grayish color. at a low ebbAt a low point, in a state of decline or depression. For example, The current recession has put our business at a low ebb. This idiom transfers the low point of a tide to a decline in human affairs. [Mid-1600s] ebb and flowA 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] at a low ebbCOMMON 1. If something is at a low ebb, it is failing and at a low level. Confidence in the whole project was at a low ebb. By now, the company's finances were at a low ebb. Note: You can also say that something is at its lowest ebb. Their reputation was at its lowest ebb. 2. If someone is at a low ebb, they are depressed. When I have been at a low ebb I have found the friendship and love of my fellow churchgoers to be a great comfort. Note: You can also say that someone is at their lowest ebb. I was mentally at my lowest ebb. Note: The ebb tide is one of the regular periods, usually two per day, when the sea gradually falls to a lower level, as the tide moves away from the land. ebb and flowCOMMON The ebb and flow of something is the way that it continuously changes, especially in its amount or level. The advantage to the employer is flexibility to cope with the commercial ebb and flow. The vineyards are tucked into small clearings formed by the natural ebb and flow of the hills and the trees. Note: Ebb and flow is also used as a verb meaning to change continuously, especially in amount or level. During those thirty years the fortunes of the British film industry ebbed and flowed. Note: This expression comes from the idea of the tide ebbing and flowing (= going in and out). at a low ebbin an especially poor state.ebb and flowa recurrent or rhythmical pattern of coming and going or decline and regrowth.This expression makes reference to the regular movement of the tides, where ebb means move away from the land and flow move back towards it. the ˌebb and ˈflow (of somebody/something)the repeated, often regular, movement from one state to another; the repeated change in level, numbers or amount: the ebb and flow of money/seasonsShe sat quietly, enjoying the ebb and flow of conversation.This expression refers to the movement of the sea away from and towards the land. (at) a low ˈebbnot as good, strong, successful, etc. as usual: Business confidence is at a low ebb at the moment.Our family fortunes are at a bit of a low ebb. OPPOSITE: (on) the crest of a waveThis idiom refers to a very low tide, when the sea is a long way from the land. |
随便看 |
|
青年旅行网英语在线翻译词典收录了440382条英语词汇在线翻译词条,基本涵盖了全部常用英语词汇的中英文双语翻译及用法,是英语学习的有利工具。