What type of literary device is rising tide?

"Rising tide" itself isn't a specific literary device. It's more of a metaphorical phrase that can be used to create different literary effects depending on the context. Here's how it can be analyzed:

* Symbolism: "Rising tide" can symbolize growth, change, progress, or even overwhelming force.

* Imagery: It evokes a strong visual image, making the writing more vivid and engaging.

* Metaphor: It can be used as a metaphor for something else entirely. For example, a "rising tide of anger" might symbolize increasing social unrest.

To understand the specific literary device at play, you need more context. For instance, consider these examples:

* "The rising tide of her emotions threatened to drown her." This uses the metaphor of a "rising tide" to symbolize overwhelming emotions.

* "The rising tide of new businesses brought prosperity to the town." Here, the "rising tide" is symbolic of economic growth and progress.

Without the context, it's impossible to say definitively which literary device "rising tide" represents.