The term "oncoming tide" refers to the rising water levels that occur as the ocean or sea tide comes in. It may also suggest an impending change or influence that is approaching, like a movement or trend in various contexts. In English, this term can be used both in literal contexts related to nature and metaphorical contexts such as social or political movements.
La marea que se acercaba arrastró el castillo de arena que habíamos construido más temprano ese día.
As the sun set, we watched the oncoming tide change the landscape before our eyes.
Mientras el sol se ponía, vimos cómo la marea que se acercaba cambiaba el paisaje ante nuestros ojos.
Many fishermen were caught off guard by the oncoming tide and had to rush back to safety.
While "oncoming tide" may not have widely recognized idiomatic expressions specifically linked to it, it aligns with phrases that convey the idea of change or something inevitable approaching:
Una marea en aumento levanta todos los barcos.
"The tide is turning."
La marea está cambiando.
"Go against the tide."
Ir contra la marea.
"Tide of change."
La marea del cambio se está acercando.
"Against the tide."
The term "oncoming" derives from the Old English "oncomen," which combines “on” with “cumen” (to come), while "tide" comes from the Old English "tīd," meaning time or period, which later referred to the regular rising and falling of sea levels.
This structured overview gives a comprehensive understanding of the phrase "oncoming tide," covering its use, meanings, and related expressions.