noun
ebb and flow; tidal movement
Describes the natural rise and fall of the tide, often used metaphorically for cyclical changes.
海岸で満ち引きを観察する。
I observe the ebb and flow at the seashore.
人生には満ち引きがある。
Life has its ebbs and flows.
Compound of 満ち (continuative form of 満ちる 'to fill, rise') and 引き (continuative form of 引く 'to pull, recede'), literally 'rising and receding'.