What does seesawing mean?
Seesawing describes repeated movement or change in opposite directions, especially the back-and-forth motion of a playground seesaw. Figuratively, it is used for situations that shift between two opposing states, such as political support moving from one party to another, prices fluctuating sharply, or a person's opinion repeatedly reversing. The expression carries a strong visual suggestion of imbalance, instability, and energetic change: the subject does not merely move gradually but alternates in a pronounced, swinging fashion. It can also describe physical movement resembling a seesaw, such as a boat rocking in rough water. Although “seesawing” is based on the familiar playground apparatus, its figurative use is common in journalism and informal discussion, where it conveys a change that is conspicuous and potentially unpredictable.
verb (present participle and gerund)Seesawing is moving or changing back and forth repeatedly, often between two opposing positions or outcomes. It can also describe a movement resembling the rocking of a seesaw.
- Moving or changing back and forth repeatedly between two positions or outcomes.
- Making a rocking or undulating motion resembling that of a seesaw.
"The debate seesawed between support and opposition as new evidence came to light."
"Her opinion seesawed between enthusiasm and doubt throughout the discussion."
"The boat seesawed wildly as the waves grew rougher."
From the rocking motion of a playground seesaw, the word has come to describe any situation that swings repeatedly between opposites.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does seesawing come from?
The word comes from “see” and “saw,” combined to name a playground apparatus whose plank rocks on a central support. The resulting verb “seesaw” developed from the rocking motion of that apparatus and later acquired figurative meanings involving repeated changes of direction. The present-participle form “seesawing” follows the same pattern, with “see” and “saw” also belonging to the wider family of words connected with the idea of seeing.
How seesawing is actually used
The term is figurative when describing changes in opinion, politics, prices, or other situations that repeatedly reverse direction. It is generally more vivid and informal than simply saying that something alternates or oscillates.