against the stream
In opposition or contrary to what is generally understood, assumed, practiced, or accepted. My idea of adopting more eco-friendly habits was against the stream, but I think it will be worth it for the company in the long run.
go against the stream
To act or behave in opposition or contrary to what is generally understood, assumed, practiced, or accepted. I had to go against the stream to get the company to adopt more eco-friendly habits, but I think it will be worth it in the long run.
swim against the stream
To act or behave in opposition or contrary to what is generally understood, assumed, practiced, or accepted. I had to swim against the stream to get the company to adopt more eco-friendly habits, but I think it will be worth it in the long run.
Don't change horses in the middle of the stream.
1. Proverb Do not try to choose or back a different political figure for an election after the decision has already been made or the position filled. Many people are dissatisfied with the senator's performance but will likely carry his party's support through to the next election—don't change horses in the middle of the stream, as the saying goes.
2. Proverb By extension, do not make major changes to a situation or course of action that is already underway. I'm really not confident in the strength of my essay, but I guess I just have to see this one through at this point. Like they say, don't change horses in the middle of the stream.
Don't swap horses in the middle of the stream.
1. Proverb Do not try to choose or back a different political figure for an election after the decision has already been made or the position filled. Many people are dissatisfied with the senator's performance but will likely carry his party's support through to the next election—don't swap horses in the middle of the stream, as the saying goes.
2. Proverb By extension, do not make major changes to a situation or course of action that is already underway. I'm really not confident in the strength of my essay, but I guess I just have to see this one through at this point. Like they say, don't swap horses in the middle of the stream.
swim with the stream
To go along or agree with the prevailing or popularly held opinion or perspective; to act or behave the same way as the majority of others. When I was in college, I used to have a lot of radical opinions and beliefs, but as I've grown older, I find myself swimming with the stream more often. I'm sorry, but I simply refuse to swim along with the stream just because it's the easier option!
change horses in midstream
and change horses in the middle of the streamFig. to make major changes in an activity that has already begun; to choose someone or something else after it is too late. (Alludes to someone trying to move from one horse to another while crossing a stream.) I'm already baking a cherry pie. I can't bake an apple pie. It's too late to change horses in the middle of the stream. The house is half-built. It's too late to hire a different architect. You can't change horses in midstream. Jane: I've written a rough draft of my research paper, but the topic doesn't interest me as much as I thought. Maybe I ought to pick a different one. Jill: Don't change horses in midstream.
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Cross the stream where it is shallowest.
Prov. To do things in the easiest possible way. Jill: How can I get Fred to give me permission to start this project? Jane: Cross the stream where it is shallowest. First ask Fred's boss for permission; I'm sure she'll give it to you. Then Fred will have to agree.
stream down (on someone or something)
[for a liquid or light] to flow downward onto someone or something. The water streamed down on all of them. The light broke through the clouds and streamed down on all of them. The waterfall streamed down and soaked them all.
stream in(to something)
to flow or rush into something. The people streamed into the hall, each seeking the best possible seat. Water streamed into the room from the broken pipe. Complaints about the bawdy performance streamed in.