stream

against the stream

In opposition or contrary to what is generally understood, assumed, practiced, or accepted. My idea of adopting more eco-friendly habits was against the stream, but I think it will be worth it for the company in the long run.

See also: stream

go against the stream

To act or behave in opposition or contrary to what is generally understood, assumed, practiced, or accepted. I had to go against the stream to get the company to adopt more eco-friendly habits, but I think it will be worth it in the long run.

See also: stream

swim against the stream

To act or behave in opposition or contrary to what is generally understood, assumed, practiced, or accepted. I had to swim against the stream to get the company to adopt more eco-friendly habits, but I think it will be worth it in the long run.

See also: stream, swim

Don't change horses in the middle of the stream.

1. Proverb Do not try to choose or back a different political figure for an election after the decision has already been made or the position filled. Many people are dissatisfied with the senator's performance but will likely carry his party's support through to the next election—don't change horses in the middle of the stream, as the saying goes.

2. Proverb By extension, do not make major changes to a situation or course of action that is already underway. I'm really not confident in the strength of my essay, but I guess I just have to see this one through at this point. Like they say, don't change horses in the middle of the stream.

See also: change, horse, middle, of

Don't swap horses in the middle of the stream.

1. Proverb Do not try to choose or back a different political figure for an election after the decision has already been made or the position filled. Many people are dissatisfied with the senator's performance but will likely carry his party's support through to the next election—don't swap horses in the middle of the stream, as the saying goes.

2. Proverb By extension, do not make major changes to a situation or course of action that is already underway. I'm really not confident in the strength of my essay, but I guess I just have to see this one through at this point. Like they say, don't swap horses in the middle of the stream.

See also: horse, middle, of, swap

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

streaming service

A company that provides entertainment, such as music, movies, or television shows, to users via an Internet connection, over which the content can be "streamed" (played without the need for downloading). Netflix and Spotify are prominent examples. With all the streaming services these days, there is a never-ending supply of entertainment available to us.

See also: service, stream

change horses in midstream

1. To choose a new leader during a period of upheaval or uncertainty. The prime minister has been at the helm throughout the crisis. I just don't think we should change horses in midstream.

2. To make major changes to a situation or course of action that is already underway. We're about to close on the house, and my husband suddenly wants to change horses in midstream and look at another property!

See also: change, horse, midstream

cross the stream where it is shallowest

To do something by using the easiest method available. Let's just cross the stream where it is shallowest and find a spot that you can pull right in to—don't worry about parallel parking.

See also: cross, stream

swim against the current

To go against or disagree with a prevailing or popularly held opinion or perspective; to act or behave contrary to the majority of others. I really swam against the current when I was in college with some radical opinions, but as I've grown older I've found myself falling more in line with others. I don't understand why you always have to swim against the current instead of making things a little easier on yourself!

See also: current, swim

be on stream

To be functional Primarily heard in UK. If the boss approves this initiative, it could be on stream as early as next month.

See also: on, stream

come on stream

To become functional. If the boss approves this initiative, it could come on stream as early as next month.

See also: come, on, 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, midstream

change horses in the middle of the stream Go to

previous.

See also: change, horse, middle, of, stream

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

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.

See also: down, stream

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.

See also: stream

change horses in midstream, don't

Also, don't swap horses in midstream. It's unwise to alter methods or choose new leaders during a crisis, as in I don't hold with getting a new manager right now-let's not swap horses in midstream. This expression was popularized (although not originated) by Abraham Lincoln in a speech in 1864 when he discovered that the National Union League was supporting him for a second term as President.

See also: change, horse

swim against the current

Also, swim against the stream or tide . Go against prevailing opinion or thought, as in I'm voting for him even if that is swimming against the current. Shakespeare used a similar metaphor in 2 Henry IV (5:2): "You must now speak Sir John Falstaff fair, which swims against your stream." For the antonym, see swim with the tide.

See also: current, swim

change horses in midstream

or

switch horses in midstream

If someone changes horses in midstream or switches horses in midstream, they stop using one method or thing and start using another one, or they stop supporting one person and start supporting someone else. I think we were very wise not to change horses in midstream. Note: You can also just say that someone changes horses or switches horses. Andersson is angered at the way Taylor initially supported the deal, only to switch horses later and back the opposing bid. Note: These expressions are often used to advise someone against doing one of these things. Note: The American President Abraham Lincoln used this expression in 1864, `I am reminded of the story of an old Dutch farmer, who remarked to a companion that it was best not to swap horses when crossing streams.'

See also: change, horse, midstream

come on stream

or

go on stream

mainly BRITISH

COMMON If a plan or a project comes on stream or goes on stream, it begins to operate fully. The airport's authorities say they expect new destinations to come on stream in the course of this summer. The project was expected to go on stream by September this year. Note: You can also say that something is on stream. The facility has been on stream since the early part of the year.

See also: come, on, stream

swim against the stream

or

go against the stream

If you swim against the stream or go against the stream, you do or say the opposite of what most other people are doing or saying. He was brave enough to be different and swim against the stream. If you live in a different culture, you can feel as if you are going against the stream.

See also: stream, swim

against (or with) the stream

against (or with) the prevailing view or tendency.

See also: stream

on stream

in or into operation or existence; available.

See also: on, stream

be/come on ˈstream

(of a factory, machine etc.) be/start working or operating: The new printing machines come on stream in March. ♢ We’re waiting for the new software to come on stream; it will make our jobs much easier.

See also: come, on, stream

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

on stream

In or into operation or production: a new power plant soon to go on stream.

See also: on, stream

swim against the stream

To move counter to a prevailing trend.

See also: stream, swim