1.
opportune time, right moment to act
The right time to do something, especially to make a change or stop what one has been doing. Often used when deciding to quit, retire, or move on.
そろそろ潮時だ。
It's about time (to make a move).
引退の潮時を見極めるのは難しい。
It's difficult to judge the right time to retire.
成果が出なくなったので、転職の潮時かもしれない。
Since I'm no longer producing results, it may be the right time to change jobs.
ETYMOLOGY:
Originally a fishing and sailing term: 潮 (tide) + 時 (time). Referred to the right time to go out to sea based on the tides. Now used figuratively.
USAGE:
Most commonly used with decisions about ending or changing something: retirement, quitting a job, leaving a relationship. The pattern ～の潮時 (the right time for ~) is standard.
COMMON MISTAKE:
Sometimes misunderstood as meaning "time to give up" with a negative nuance, but the original meaning is neutral — simply "the right moment to act."