Modul 5: Idiom 48: Go With The Flow

Go With The Flow

Hi. Let’s take a look at the Idiom, ‘go with the flow.’ If someone ever says to you ‘go with the flow’, they are telling you to accept and just go along with whatever is happening and also to relax and not worry about it either.

So what is the origin of this idiom?

This idiom originates as a concept by Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius. In his writings ‘The meditations’ he wrote about the way happiness flows and how it is better to let life flow naturally rather than to change society. This was a popular way of living (years later) by the Hippies in the 1960s. Hippies were about peace, love and being with each other, and being with nature. The phrase ‘go with the flow’ described them perfectly. Being a group of people who liked to be at one with nature, outdoor activities were especially loved, for example, kayaking, white water rafting in which the participants were literally going with the flow of water and letting the water carry them along. Since then, it’s become a popular way of describing the act of just allowing things to happen around you and allowing yourself to be swept up by it and enjoy it.

Take a look at our illustration.

There is a boat of hippies. We know they are hippies because of their flowery, vibrant clothes and their long hair. They are going down a steep waterfall but are they scared? No. They are just going with it and enjoying the ride. Can you see what they’re thinking about? It’s a man in old garments. This is Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius. They are thinking about his approach to life and using it as an influence for how they live theirs.

Here are some examples before we go to the concept questions…

“Stop worrying about tomorrow’s exam, Greg. You need to learn to go with the flow.”

“I used to go with the flow, but I like to have a plan and know what my life will turn out like.”

“I don’t mind what film we watch tonight. I’ll just go with the flow.”

“Don’t worry about what Kirsty wants for dinner, she’ll just go with the flow. She isn’t fussy – she isn’t hard to please.”

“Our holiday was great. We relaxed the entire time! We didn’t plan anything; we just went with the flow.”

Great.

Let’s look at some situations and check your understanding:

1. Phil and Beth asked their children where they wanted to go on holiday.  Erin really wanted to go to Scotland, Barnaby wanted to go to France, but George… George didn’t mind where they went – as long as they were all together.  Was George willing to go with the flow?  Yes.  George was just happy to be on holiday with his family.
2. Billy’s friends were all dropping sweet wrappers and empty crisp packets on the grass in the park. Billy told them to pick it up and to put them in the bins provided. “But everyone drops litter (garbage)!” said his friend.  Was Billy willing to go with the flow?   No. He made his friends pick up their rubbish.
3. Amy is a two-year-old who insists on wearing her pink princess dresses every day.  Her mum has given up trying to tell her otherwise.  Is Amy’s mum going with the flow?  Yes. She’s trying to avoid the tantrums!
4. Andy and Iris have just come out of a long theatre show. They were starving – they were really hungry.  “I really fancy a Chinese takeaway,” said Iris. “Do you mind, Andy?”  “No,” said Andy,  “you pick whatever you want.”  Was Andy going with the flow?  Yes.  He was happy to let Iris choose the restaurant.
5. Lottie was sharing a student accommodation with three other girls. They left their things all over the apartment, but Lottie hated the mess, and she was fed up clearing up after them.  “It’s no good!” said Lottie, “We need to set up a rota – a list of tasks -, so everyone takes turn tidying the place.” Was Lottie going with the flow?  No.  She was challenging her friends’ untidy habits.

Great. Now go and practise. See you soon.