Definition
顺流而下 is a four-character idiomatic expression (成语) that literally means 'to go downstream with the current'. Figuratively, it describes going along with the prevailing trend or taking the path of least resistance, often without active resistance. It is used in both concrete contexts (travel, navigation) and abstract ones (business, life decisions).
f.e.
to sail or drift downstream with the currentto go with the flowto follow the prevailing trend
Examples
- 顺流而下，。Wǒmen zuò chuán yánzhe héliú shùn liú ér xià, xīnshǎng liǎng'àn de fēngjǐng.We took a boat sailing downstream along the river, enjoying the scenery on both sides.
- ，顺流而下，。Zài shìchǎng shàng, xǔduō gōngsī xuǎnzé shùn liú ér xià, gēnsuí zhǔliú qūshì.In the market, many companies choose to go with the flow and follow the mainstream trend.
- 顺流而下，。Tā juédìng shùn liú ér xià, bú zài yǔ mìngyùn kàngzhēng.He decided to go with the flow and stop fighting against fate.
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