Tidal acceleration refers to the phenomenon where the gravitational interaction between the Earth and the moon causes tidal bulges that lead to changes in the Earth's rotation. Friction between the ocean and land results in the Earth pushing these tidal bulges ahead of the moon. This interaction causes the moon to speed up while simultaneously slowing down the Earth's rotation. The explanation likens this to swinging a ball on a string, where the tension affects both the ball's speed and the arm's motion. This simplified understanding clarifies the complex dynamics of tidal acceleration.