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wane

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on the wane

becoming less; fading away. Her influence in on the wane, but she is still the boss.

See also: on, wane

wax and wane

Fig. to increase and then decrease, as the phases of the moon. As the moon waxes and wanes, so does the height of the tide change. Voter sentiment about the tax proposal waxes and wanes with each passing day.

See also: and, wane, wax

wax and wane

to become stronger and then weaker Religious influence on politics has waxed and waned since the founding of this country.

See also: and, wane, wax

wax and wane

to grow bigger and stronger and then to become smaller or weaker again Their influence waxes and wanes depending on which party is in power.

See also: and, wane, wax

wax and wane

Increase and decrease, as in size, number, strength, or intensity, as in Enrollments in these programs wax and wane from year to year. This expression alludes to the phases of the moon, with its periodic changes in size. It was first recorded in the 1300s.

See also: and, wane, wax

on the wane

In a period of decline or decrease: "The tide was near the turn and already the day was on the wane" (James Joyce).

See also: on, wane