Idioms

swim with the stream

swim with the stream

To go along or agree with the prevailing or popularly held opinion or perspective; to act or behave the same way as the majority of others. When I was in college, I used to have a lot of radical opinions and beliefs, but as I've grown older, I find myself swimming with the stream more often. I'm sorry, but I simply refuse to swim along with the stream just because it's the easier option!
See also: stream, swim
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

go, swim, etc. with/against the ˈstream/ˈtide

behave/not behave in the same way as most other people: He’s a fashion designer who’s always swum against the stream; his work is very original.Why do you always have to go against the tide?
See also: stream, tide
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
See also:
References in periodicals archive
It was like I was beginning to swim with the stream rather than against it.
The puzzling encryption at the entrance to the labyrinth reads "only dead fish swim with the stream".
I suspect the survivors will be the ones who swim with the stream. But upstream there may be a gold mine, too.
Copyright © 2003-2025 Farlex, Inc Disclaimer
All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.