noun
tidal front; current rip; line where ocean currents meet
Oceanographic term for the boundary where two sea currents converge, often visible as a line of foam or debris. Also used in fishing contexts because fish gather there.
潮目にはプランクトンが集まり、魚が多く集まる。
Plankton gather at the tidal front, attracting many fish.
船が潮目を越えると、急に波が穏やかになった。
When the boat crossed the current rip, the waves suddenly became calm.
noun
turning point; course of events; juncture
Figurative extension of the oceanographic sense, used for a critical moment or shift in a situation. Often appears in phrases like 潮目が変わる (the tide turns).
あの事件を境に、会社の潮目が変わった。
After that incident, the company's fortunes took a turn.
潮目を読んで行動することが大切だ。
It's important to act by reading the turning point.
Compound of 潮 (tide, current) and 目 (eye, point). The literal meaning is 'tide point', referring to the visible line where currents meet. The figurative sense developed from the idea of a critical boundary or turning point in events.