Go with the flow

verb phrase

To act or make decisions in a relaxed way, without bothering much about what will happen next, mainly because events are beyond your control or you want to avoid conflict or turmoil.

I didn't make any plans on our vacation, I just decided to go with the flow.

Visual representation of "go with the flow" - To act or make decisions in a relaxed way, without bothering much about what will happen next, mainly because events are beyond your control or you want to avoid conflict or turmoil.

Often appears as...

decide to go with the flow
just go with the flow

Usage tips

Idiomatic

verb phrase

To conform to, follow or accept the prevalent trends, attitudes, etc.

As a beginner at the new job, it might be best for you to go with the flow initially until you understand how things operate.

Often appears as...

go with the flow at work
go with the flow in society

Usage tips

Idiomatic

verb phrase

To act or make decisions in a relaxed way, without bothering much about what will happen next, mainly because events are beyond your control or you want to avoid conflict or turmoil.

I didn't make any plans on our vacation, I just decided to go with the flow.

Often appears as...

decide to go with the flow
just go with the flow

Usage tips

Idiomatic

verb phrase

To conform to, follow or accept the prevalent trends, attitudes, etc.

As a beginner at the new job, it might be best for you to go with the flow initially until you understand how things operate.

Often appears as...

go with the flow at work
go with the flow in society

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2

Visual representation of "go with the flow"

Pro Tip 1/3

Situational Use

Use 'go with the flow' when you can't control a situation, but it's not bothering you to adapt.

When the tour itinerary changed, we decided to go with the flow.

Pro Tip 2/3

Avoiding Conflict

'Go with the flow' often implies a conscious choice to prevent disputes or maintain harmony.

At the team meeting, I chose to go with the flow rather than argue.

Pro Tip 3/3

Not Passive

It doesn't mean being passive; it's an active choice to adapt to the situation.

Instead of stressing out, I'll just go with the flow and enjoy the party.

Pro Tip 1/3

Situational Use

Use 'go with the flow' when you can't control a situation, but it's not bothering you to adapt.

When the tour itinerary changed, we decided to go with the flow.

Pro Tip 2/3

Avoiding Conflict

'Go with the flow' often implies a conscious choice to prevent disputes or maintain harmony.

At the team meeting, I chose to go with the flow rather than argue.

Pro Tip 3/3

Not Passive

It doesn't mean being passive; it's an active choice to adapt to the situation.

Instead of stressing out, I'll just go with the flow and enjoy the party.

Pro Tip 1/3

Situational Use

Use 'go with the flow' when you can't control a situation, but it's not bothering you to adapt.

When the tour itinerary changed, we decided to go with the flow.

Pro Tip 2/3

Avoiding Conflict

'Go with the flow' often implies a conscious choice to prevent disputes or maintain harmony.

At the team meeting, I chose to go with the flow rather than argue.

Pro Tip 3/3

Not Passive

It doesn't mean being passive; it's an active choice to adapt to the situation.

Instead of stressing out, I'll just go with the flow and enjoy the party.

Visual representation of the word "Go with the flow"

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