go with the flow; seize the opportunity
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesidiom
to push the boat along with the current; to take advantage of a favorable situation to achieve one's goals; to adapt flexibly to circumstances
Often used to describe pragmatically adapting to circumstances to accomplish something efficiently. The literal image is pushing a boat downstream, which requires less effort than going against the current. Generally carries a neutral or mildly positive connotation suggesting wisdom in timing.
Jì既
rán然
dà大
jiā家
dōu都
tóng同
yì意
,
wǒ我
men们
jiù就
shùn顺
shuǐ水
tuī推
zhōu舟
,
bǎ把
zhè这
gè个
fāng方
àn案
dìng定
xià下
lái来
ba吧
。
Since everyone agrees, let's go with the flow and finalize this plan.
Tā他
shùn顺
shuǐ水
tuī推
zhōu舟
de地
jiē接
shòu受
le了
duì对
fāng方
de的
jiàn建
yì议
,
bì避
miǎn免
le了
zhèng正
miàn面
chōng冲
tū突
。
He took advantage of the situation to accept the other party's suggestion, avoiding a head-on conflict.
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Zài在
zhè这
zhǒng种
qíng情
kuàng况
xià下
,
wǒ我
men们
zhǐ只
hǎo好
shùn顺
shuǐ水
tuī推
zhōu舟
,
zàn暂
shí时
àn按
tā他
men们
de的
yì意
si思
bàn办
。
Under these circumstances, we have no choice but to go with the flow and temporarily do things their way.