stem the tide

phrase

: to stop something from continuing and increasing
—+ of
We have to do something to stem the tide of violence.

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stem stitch
stem the tide
stem turn
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Cite this Entry

“Stem the tide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stem%20the%20tide. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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