tidal wave
[/ˈtaɪdəl weɪv/]
nounpl: tidal waves
onda de maré / maremoto
1. a large ocean wave caused by an underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption; a tsunami
The tidal wave destroyed entire coastal villages.
A onda de maré destruiu aldeias costeiras inteiras.
2. a sudden, powerful, and widespread trend or surge of something
There was a tidal wave of support for the new candidate.
Houve uma onda de maré de apoio para o novo candidato.
3. an unusually high tide caused by strong winds and storms
The tidal wave flooded the harbor during the hurricane.
A maré alta inundou o porto durante o furacão.
In both Brazilian and North American English, 'tidal wave' is commonly used metaphorically to describe sudden, overwhelming trends or surges in public opinion, markets, or social movements. While scientifically, the term has been largely replaced by 'tsunami' in scientific discourse, it remains prevalent in everyday language and media. In Portuguese-speaking countries, 'maremoto' is the more precise technical term, though 'onda de maré' maintains the literal translation and is widely understood.
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