stream

change horses in midstream and change horses in the middle of the stream

Fig. to make major changes in an activity that has already begun; to choose someone or something else after it is too late. (Alludes to someone trying to move from one horse to another while crossing a stream.) I'm already baking a cherry pie. I can't bake an apple pie. It's too late to change horses in the middle of the stream. The house is half-built. It's too late to hire a different architect. You can't change horses in midstream. Jane: I've written a rough draft of my research paper, but the topic doesn't interest me as much as I thought. Maybe I ought to pick a different one. Jill: Don't change horses in midstream.

See also: change, horse

Cross the stream where it is shallowest.

Prov. To do things in the easiest possible way. Jill: How can I get Fred to give me permission to start this project? Jane: Cross the stream where it is shallowest. First ask Fred's boss for permission; I'm sure she'll give it to you. Then Fred will have to agree.

See also: cross

stream down (on someone or something)

[for a liquid or light] to flow downward onto someone or something. The water streamed down on all of them. The light broke through the clouds and streamed down on all of them. The waterfall streamed down and soaked them all.

stream in(to something)

to flow or rush into something. The people streamed into the hall, each seeking the best possible seat. Water streamed into the room from the broken pipe. Complaints about the bawdy performance streamed in.