crested the wave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crested the wave" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of reaching the top of a wave, often in a surfing or metaphorical context. Example: "As the surfer crested the wave, he felt a rush of adrenaline and freedom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Just as we crested the wave he jumped headfirst into the froth.

The New York Times - Travel

He gunned Jabb into it and crested the wave before it broke, but it wrenched the boat to port, making everyone go "Whoo!" — the roller-coaster yell.

The New Yorker

The show spanned a vintage era for rock and indie (even if it was a little too focused on white, male artists) and crested the wave of Britpop, attracting all the major names (Pulp, Blur, Suede) as well as a smattering of elder statesmen (Bowie, McCartney, Page and Plant).

The Guardian - Music

In his 50-year ascent in the publishing world, Mr. Axelrod, a native of Bayonne, crested the wave of post-war American pet mania, writing such guides as "Dr. Axelrod's Atlas of Freshwater and Aquarium Fishes" and creating T.F.H. Publications, which stands for "tropical fish hobbyist".

The New York Times

In 2006, when NASCAR crested the wave, an estimated 200,000 watched the Daytona 500 in person, according to Racing Reference.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

As he crested the waves, Trooper Sost thought he spotted something olive green a few hundred yards away.

The New York Times

I know people who work like crazy on sales and marketing, only to finally crest the wave, stop and enjoy the view.

Huffington Post

Literally billions of dollars' worth of treasure lies under the sea," says Barry Clifford, his voice rising flamboyantly like a... well, like a man-o'-war cresting the waves.

Forbes

Girls (Sky Atlantic), having crested the think-piece wave, is back for a fourth series.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

When the air crested a wave, the air cooled and clouds formed.

The Guardian

Leaning precariously over the railing with my camera, I pressed the shutter as the animal crested a wave rolling toward the ship.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "crested the wave" to vividly describe reaching a high point or overcoming a challenge, especially in contexts involving momentum or a build-up of energy.

Common error

Avoid using "crested the wave" solely in literal contexts (like physically being on a wave) without acknowledging its potential for conveying success, triumph, or a turning point in a broader narrative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crested the wave" functions primarily as a verb phrase often used metaphorically to describe reaching the peak or highest point of something, such as a trend, a career, or a literal wave.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "crested the wave" is a verb phrase that is used to describe the action of reaching the top of a wave, literally or metaphorically. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in news and media contexts to convey reaching a peak or overcoming a challenge. While relatively rare in overall usage, its presence in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian lends it authority. Related phrases include "reached the summit" and "peaked", offering alternative ways to express similar concepts. When writing with this phrase, be mindful of its metaphorical depth and avoid limiting it to purely literal interpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reached the summit

Implies reaching the highest point of something, similar to cresting a wave in achieving a goal.

topped the rise

Suggests surpassing an upward slope or overcoming a challenge, similar to reaching the top of a wave.

peaked

Implies reaching the highest point or level, comparable to a wave's crest.

hit the high point

Conveys reaching the most successful or exciting moment, analogous to cresting a wave.

reached the zenith

Implies attaining the highest point or state, akin to the crest of a wave.

overcame the obstacle

Focuses on overcoming a challenge, similar to cresting a wave in turbulent situations.

surmounted the hurdle

Emphasizes successfully passing a difficulty, comparable to navigating and cresting a wave.

achieved success

Highlights the attainment of a favorable outcome, which can be seen as cresting a wave of effort.

attained the apex

Indicates reaching the highest or culminating point, much like reaching the crest of a wave.

passed the peak

Focuses on having gone beyond the highest point, implying a transition after cresting the wave.

FAQs

How can I use "crested the wave" in a sentence?

You can use "crested the wave" to describe a literal situation, such as "Just as we "crested the wave", he jumped headfirst into the froth". It can also be used metaphorically to describe reaching the peak of success or popularity.

What does it mean to have "crested the wave"?

To have "crested the wave" means to have reached the peak of something, be it a trend, a project, or a period of success. It suggests a high point has been achieved, often implying a transition or shift afterward.

Which is more appropriate, "crested the wave" or "rode the wave"?

"Crested the wave" implies reaching the peak, while "rode the wave" suggests actively participating in and benefiting from a trend or movement over a period. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize a peak or a sustained engagement.

What can I say instead of "crested the wave"?

You can use alternatives like "reached the summit", "peaked", or "hit the high point" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.