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crimson tide

crimson tide

1 8.6
A large wave of deep red color or a strong rise of feeling
  • noun
  • /ˈkrɪmzən taɪd/
translation icon : marea carmesí
  • The sunset created a beautiful crimson tide across the horizon.

Examples

  • A crimson tide swept across the sky during the spectacular sunset.

  • During the ceremony, a crimson tide of emotions washed over the crowd.

  • The city was caught up in a crimson tide of celebration after the championship win.

  • The poet described her anger as a crimson tide rising within her.

  • The sunset painted the sky in a crimson tide, creating a breathtaking view.

  • After hearing the news, a crimson tide of excitement swept through the crowd.

  • As the leaves changed color in autumn, a crimson tide covered the forest floor.

Synonyms

tidal wave
vscrimson tide
4 3.6

A sudden very strong emotion or reaction that affects many people

refers to a surge linked to deep red color or strong enthusiasm
crimson wave
vscrimson tide
8.1

A bright red color that fills the sky at sunrise or sunset

covers both visual red floods and metaphorical emotional surges

How Intense

deluge
8 6.8
to flood
176 1.0
crimson tide
1 8.6
wave
759 1.0
to ripple
49 2.7

Surface Forms

crimson tide singular
crimson tides plural

Morphology

crimson + tide

The meaning is directly and transparently derived from 'crimson' (deep red) + 'tide' (a movement or surge): a wave or flood of red is a straightforward compositional image. The extended metaphorical sense (a surge of emotion/enthusiasm) follows the common cross-linguistic pattern of using 'tide' for a surge, so a B1 learner who knows both words would likely infer the MWE's meanings.

Etymology

Crimson tide comes from the image of a high tide of deep red crimson, like the sea or sky suddenly turning red. So, it now means 'a surge' of red color or of strong feeling.