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Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

The president rode into office on a tide of discontent

Hi teachers,

Could you help me with this sentence? I'm quite confused.

"The president rode into office on a tide of discontent"

1. Does it mean the president physically went into his office grumpy?

2. Does it mean he swore in office despite a tide of discontent?

Thank you.

Regards,

Tinanam
  

Top answer

Question #1: NO. Question #2: NO. He was sworn into office BECAUSE OF a tide of discontent.

— Anonymous

  • Question #1: NO.
  • Question #2: NO.
  • He was sworn into office BECAUSE OF a tide of discontent.
  • = The people were very discontented; therefore, he rode into office (was easily elected by a big majority) on a tide of discontent.
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9 Answers
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Question #1: NO. Question #2: NO. He was sworn into office BECAUSE OF a tide of discontent. = The people were very discontented; therefore, he rode into office (was easily elected by a big majority) on a tide of discontent.
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Hi Anonymous,

Thanks for your help.

I am slightly numb headed. Why "He was sworn into office because of a tide of discontent"?

What is "on a tide of discontent"?

Thanks again,

Tinanam
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It's great that you want to learn another language. I know very little about science, but I think that when the sun and moon pull the water and make movements on the surface of the ocean, those movements are called tides. Maybe it would be easier to use the word "waves of water." So a "tide of discontent" = the anger of the people was like a big wave of water rushing over the country. Therefore,
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Hi Anonymous,

It suddenly makes sense. I think "on" in the sentence had really stumbled me. I thought "the tide of discontent" was directed at the newly elected president. So "on" here means like "by ways of", correct?

Thanks again.

Regards,

Tinanam
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AnonymousIt's great that you want to learn another language. I know very little about science, but I think that when the sun and moon pull the water and make movements on the surface of the ocean, those movements are called tides. Maybe it would be easier to use the word "waves of water." So a "tide of discontent" = the anger of the people was like a big wave of water ru
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Yes, "by way of" is fine if it helps you. Oher people might use "because of/ owing to a tide of discontent."
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I thank the veteran member for her kind and generous words.
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Hi Tinanam;

It
Anonymous"The president rode into office on a tide of discontent"
This is a wonderful metaphor, as aonther poster beautifully explained concerning the physical tides of the oceans and seas on earth.

Have you seen surfers on surfboards on the coast of California or Hawaii where the waves are very big? They "ride the waves
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Hi AlpheccaStars, Anonymous and Grammar Geek,

Thanks for solving this metaphor for me, and beautifully described so I could understand.

Hope you all wake up to a beautiful day tomorrow morning.[F]

Regards,

Tinanam
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