British and Commonwealth harbour talk with two senses. The tide is making when it is rising toward high water. Springs are making when the daily ranges are growing from neaps toward springs, and the opposite movement is described as the tides taking off. The word helps when planning work that needs bigger or smaller ranges over the coming days.
Tides are making all week, so by Saturday there'll be enough water over the sill at high water to get the yacht out.
Also heard as
- making tide
Related terms
Spring tide
A tide of larger than average range, occurring around new and full moon when Sun and Moon pull in line.
Neap tide
A tide of smaller than average range, occurring near first and last quarter moon when Sun and Moon pull at right angles.
Flood
Tidal current running in from the sea and up rivers and estuaries, mostly while the water is rising.
Turn of the tide
The moment the tide changes from rising to falling or the current from flood to ebb, or the reverse.