go with the flow
Meaning(s)
1. take a relaxed, hands-off approach to something
Popularity
Medium
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
go with the flow and see what happens
Analysis
If you are in the water, and allow yourself to 'go with the flow,' you let yourself be carried along by the tide or current without resisting or trying to change direction. This idiom, therefore, is often used to express calmly going along with the wishes or actions of others or taking a laid back approach to something. Its use can be positive or negative. In a positive sense, 'going with the flow' shows an ability to work with others within a group, and adapt easily to a given situation. In a negative sense, doing so can show a lack of character and resolve, especially with regards to giving in to group pressure or taking the easy option. It is common in both a social and professional context and is similar to the phrases 'follow the crowd,' and 'take things as they come.'
Social Examples (Basic)
- A lot of people like to plan everything out, but sometimes you need to just go with the flow.
- My friends are terrible at making plans we tend to meet up and just go with the flow.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- I don't like to offer forceful opinions on how things should be done in project meetings. I prefer to just go with the flow.
- It’s not good enough to go with the flow. Setting goals and targets and delegating responsibilities allows us to move forward in our work.