Meaning

To go with the flow is to accept what's happening and adapt to it instead of fighting it. Picture a river: you can swim hard against the current and get tired, or you can float and let it carry you. People use it about changed plans, group decisions and days that don't go the way you expected.

It is relaxed and friendly, and you often say it to calm someone down: "Don't stress, go with the flow." Said about yourself, it sounds laid-back: "I'm fine with anything, I'll go with the flow." Be careful at work. Telling a manager you "go with the flow" can sound like you have no opinion; "I'm flexible" says the same thing more professionally.

In a conversation

MeiOliver
  1. Mei
  2. Oliver
  3. Mei
  4. Oliver
  5. Mei
  6. Oliver

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

Check yourself

1Oliver says "Let's go with the flow." What does he want to do?
2Which is the better choice in a job interview?

Practice · 3 min

Listen, then say each line. Keep it smooth and unhurried: the phrase should sound as relaxed as it means.

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.