a rising tide lifts all boats

Syllable breakdown

Dictionary meaning

the metaphorical claim that a generally improving economy or environment benefits all participants regardless of their starting position, just as rising water raises every vessel in a harbour whether large or small; the phrase is associated with John F. Kennedy and is used to argue that broad economic growth is more effective at improving general welfare than targeted redistribution; critics counter that in practice growth often disproportionately benefits those already advantaged, while those at the bottom may not benefit equally from macroeconomic expansion