Feifei This is The English We Speak with me, Feifei…
Neil …and I’m Neil. And we have a phrase about following other people in their thoughts, ideas or actions because it’s the easiest thing to do. It’s ‘go with the flow’.
Feifei ‘Go with the flow’. So, ‘go’ has something to do with moving and ‘flow’ is to do with the continuous movement of something. But what does this phrase mean in reality?
Neil Well, when someone’s ideas, thoughts or actions start developing we can think of them as moving along, and when you ‘go with the flow’ you move along with it, you don’t resist it, you just go with it!
Feifei I see. So, the other day when we were all arranging to go out for dinner, Roy suggested going to the cafe near the office. I wasn’t that keen but rather than make a fuss, I just went with the flow.
Neil Ha! You did – but that’s easier than trying to argue with Roy! Going with the flow is about being relaxed and accepting the situation. Here are some more examples of ‘go with the flow’…
Examples I thought my ideas for the new project were better, but I decided to keep quiet and go with the flow!
Even though he couldn’t agree with our tactics, I told Tom to go with the flow if he wants us to win the match.
A: Where shall we go out to eat tonight?
B: I don’t mind, I’ll go with the flow.
Feifei This is The English We Speak from BBC Learning English. We’re learning about the phrase ’to go with the flow’ which means to follow other people in their thoughts, ideas or actions because it’s the easiest thing to do.
Neil Yes. It’s not about compromising or negotiation – it’s just about accepting things. A similar expression is ‘go with the tide’. Sometimes Feifei, it is just easier to go with flow.
Feifei You mean like accepting Roy’s idea of going to the pub?
Neil Yes, exactly. So come on, it’s time to go there now.
Feifei No, it’s not! I said 6 o’clock. I’ve got too much work to do.
Neil Oh Feifei, just go with the flow and come now. I’ll buy the first drink.
Feifei In that case, Neil, let’s go! Bye.
Neil Bye.