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Region: General | Usage example: Instead of arguing, she chose to go with the flow.

Go with the flow

Meaning

Accept things as they happen without resistance.

Usage

Used when advocating adaptability.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Water imagery representing effortless movement.

Popularized in the 1960s counterculture but now standard.

Related Idioms

Get two birds with one stone

Achieve two things with one effort.

Paint with a broad brush

Generalize too widely without nuance.

Caught with your pants down

Surprised while unprepared.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.