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Definition 2024


a_rising_tide_lifts_all_boats

a rising tide lifts all boats

English

Proverb

a rising tide lifts all boats

  1. A truly good outcome benefits all.

Mr. Sorensen was trying to tackle economic problems in New England, that he happened upon the phrase. He writes that he noticed that “the regional chamber of commerce, the New England Council, had a thoughtful slogan: ‘A rising tide lifts all the boats.’” From then on, JFK would borrow the slogan often. Sorensen highlights this as an example of quotes mistakenly attributed to President Kennedy.

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