flow (redirected from gone with the flow)

be in full flow/spate (British & Australian)

if an activity is in full flow, it is happening fast and with energy. He had this annoying habit of interrupting her when she was in full spate. The royal wedding preparations were now in full flow.

See also: full

the ebb and flow

the way in which the level of something frequently becomes higher or lower in a situation. The government did nothing about the recession, hoping it was just part of the ebb and flow of the economy. (often + of)

See also: ebb

go against the flow

go with the flow - to do what other people are doing or to agree with other people because it is the easiest thing to do. I decided to go against the flow and try something different from the rest of them.

See also: against

go with the flow

to do what other people are doing or to agree with other people because it is the easiest thing to do. I wasn't very keen on the decision but it was easier just to go with the flow.

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the ebb and flow of something

the continually changing character of something. There is a normal ebb and flow in nature, for example, when there is just the right amount of rain and when there is not enough.

Usage notes: often said about something that regularly gets larger and smaller: There's a constant ebb and flow of traffic on the highway.

ups and downs

See also: ebb

go with the flow

to do what other people are doing or agree with their opinions. In large organizations, there's always a tendency to go with the flow. I never know what to expect when I'm with them, so I've learned that the best thing to do is just go with the flow.

Usage notes: the opposite meaning is expressed by go against the flow: Not basing my life on making money has meant having to go against the flow of our culture.