ɡoʊ wɪð ðə floʊ
Nature & Weather
informal
beginner
- Literally:
- To move in the same direction as water current
What does "go with the flow" mean?
- To accept things as they are and adapt accordingly
- To not resist or try to change circumstances
Examples
- I don't have strong preferences—I'll just go with the flow.
- Sometimes it's easier to go with the flow than fight the system.
- She's very relaxed and always goes with the flow.
Origin
From the natural behavior of objects floating in water, moving wherever the current takes them. Became popular in 1960s counterculture.
How to use it
Can be positive (flexibility) or negative (passivity). Often associated with a relaxed attitude.
Similar expressions
adapt
be flexible
take it easy
be easygoing
Opposites
resist
fight against
swim against the tide
Related idioms
- out of the blue
Unexpectedly; without warning
- beat around the bush
To avoid talking about the main point of a conversation
- every cloud has a silver lining
There is something positive in every negative situation
- once in a blue moon
Very rarely; almost never
- tip of the iceberg
A small visible part of a much larger hidden problem
- it's raining cats and dogs
It's raining very heavily
Use it in a practice answer
Try "go with the flow" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.