Swim with the Tide, To
To “swim with the tide” means to go along with the majority, aligning yourself with popular opinion or common practice. The origins of this phrase can be traced back to Confucius’s Analects (ca. 500 B.C.), where it’s said, “Swim with the tide, so as not to offend others.” Conversely, “to swim against the tide” means to resist or oppose public opinion, or to act contrary to the majority. Both expressions imply that one course of action is significantly easier than the other.
Similar Terms and Expressions:
- Go with the flow 🌊
- Run with the herd 🐑
- Follow the crowd 👥
Synonyms:
- Yield
- Conform
- Comply
Antonyms:
- Resist
- Rebel
- Defy
Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “When you swim with the tide, make sure it’s not the sewer current.” —Anonymo-fishy 😏
Proverbs:
- “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” 🌍
- “The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.” 🔨
Recommended Literature:
- 1984 by George Orwell 📖 — For a gripping exploration of resisting public opinion.
- The Analects by Confucius — Get philosophical with one of the oldest teaching compilations. 🧠
Songs:
- “Against the Wind” by Bob Seger 🎵
- “Go with the Flow” by Queens of the Stone Age 🎶
Movies:
- Dead Poets Society — Conformity vs individuality in an academy setting. 🎬
- The Wave — A startling experiment in peer pressure. 🌊
Inspirational Farewell:
Swim with purpose, whether it’s with or against the tide. Strive to make waves with integrity and your own unique essence.
### What’s another way to say "swim with the tide"?
- [ ] Hop on the kangaroo train
- [x] Go with the flow
- [ ] Dance with dolphins
- [ ] Fly with the gulls
> **Explanation:** "Go with the flow" is synonymous with "swim with the tide," indicating alignment with the majority or the existing state of affairs.
### Which expression means to oppose public opinion?
- [ ] Join the spectacle
- [ ] Flow with the crowd
- [ ] Dance in sync
- [x] Swim against the tide
> **Explanation:** To "swim against the tide" means to resist or oppose public opinion, essentially fighting the current.
### True or False: 'Swim with the tide' means to act in defiance of the majority.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. "Swim with the tide" means to go along with the majority, not to act in defiance.
### Which of these idioms is a real phrase?
- [x] Go with the flow
- [ ] March with the potatoes
- [ ] Dream with the pines
- [ ] Float with the ketchup
> **Explanation:** "Go with the flow" is a recognized idiom meaning to accept things as they come without resistance. The others are, well, quite imaginative but not real idioms.
### Which of the following describes nonconformity?
- [x] Swim against the tide
- [ ] Go with the stream
- [ ] Flow with the river
- [ ] Glide with the breeze
> **Explanation:** To "swim against the tide" describes nonconformity or going against the standard practice or belief.
### Complete the phrase: "If you want to __________, go together."
- [ ] go fast
- [x] go far
- [ ] go slow
- [ ] go home
> **Explanation:** The proverb "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together" emphasizes teamwork and cooperation for long-term success.
