Go, swim, etc. with/against the tide
phrase
To do something in line with or against the general trend or opinion.
As a small businessman, he has always swum against the tide and sought to do things his own way.

Often appears as...
- going with the tide
- swimming against the tide
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To act in a manner that is either in harmony with or in opposition to one's environment or circumstances, especially in a difficult or challenging situation.
Rather than fighting the inevitable, she decided to go with the tide and joined the family business.

Often appears as...
- going with the tide
- swimming against the tide
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To agree with or oppose the majority or common views.
By advocating for climate change, the scientist chose to swim against the tide.

Often appears as...
- going with the tide
- swimming against the tide
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To do something in line with or against the general trend or opinion.
As a small businessman, he has always swum against the tide and sought to do things his own way.

Often appears as...
- going with the tide
- swimming against the tide
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To act in a manner that is either in harmony with or in opposition to one's environment or circumstances, especially in a difficult or challenging situation.
Rather than fighting the inevitable, she decided to go with the tide and joined the family business.

Often appears as...
- going with the tide
- swimming against the tide
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To agree with or oppose the majority or common views.
By advocating for climate change, the scientist chose to swim against the tide.

Often appears as...
- going with the tide
- swimming against the tide
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 3

Trend Alignment
Think about whether actions align with general trends or go against them.

She decided to go with the tide and adopt the latest technology for her business.
Individuality
Using 'against the tide' shows a strong sense of personal choice.

He's swimming against the tide by choosing a career path everyone else avoids.
Resistance
Identify resistance or difficulty in action when 'against the tide' is used.

Despite the criticism, she continued to swim against the tide.
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