The Archive

Etymology Journal · G

Go with the flow

Meaning

To be flexible and accept situations as they happen rather than trying to force your own will upon them. It is the philosophy of the relaxed person who refuses to get stressed out.

Relaxed, easygoing

Used in a sentence

  • I do not have a set plan for the weekend, I think I will just go with the flow.
  • When the meeting got canceled, she just decided to go with the flow and take a nap.
  • He is a very easy guy to get along with because he always likes to go with the flow.

The backstory

This phrase draws on the natural image of a leaf or a stick floating down a river. It has been used figuratively since the mid-20th century to describe a laid-back attitude toward life.

Heard in

Nationwide

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