PhrasesHub

swimming against the tide

    Definitions

      • discouragement
        Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

      • difficulty
        Describing a challenging situation where one is going against popular opinion or the norm

    Examples of swimming against the tide

    • The startup company's decision to launch a new product in a highly competitive market was like swimming against the tide.

      This idiomical expression is used when someone goes against the general trend or popular belief, which is usually unwelcome and challenging. In this case, the startup company was entering a market that was already dominated by established competitors, making it a difficult and uphill battle.

    • Sarah decided to pursue her dream of becoming a writer, despite the fact that her parents wanted her to become a lawyer.

      In this example, Sarah's determination to follow her passion for writing, in the face of her parents' opposition, can be likened to swimming against the tide. It's a metaphor that suggests the difficulty and courage it takes to go against the expectations of others and forge one's own path.

    • The activist group staged a protest against the government's decision to introduce a new tax, calling it an unpopular and ill-advised measure.

      Here, the idiom "swimming against the tide" is used to highlight the fact that the activist group was going against the prevailing sentiment of the government and the majority of the public. It's a powerful expression that conveys the idea of standing up for one's beliefs, even in the face of opposition or adversity.

    • The athlete continued to train hard, despite the injury that had hampered her progress for weeks.

      In this example, the idea of swimming against the tide is used in a more literal sense to describe the athlete's determination to keep going, even when the tide of her health and performance was working against her. It's a poignant and inspiring use of the expression that highlights the resilience and tenacity required to overcome obstacles and achieve success.

    • The new startup is swimming against the tide by choosing to focus on a niche market instead of targeting a broader audience like their competitors.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone is going against the majority or prevailing trend. In this example, the startup is taking a different approach than their competitors, who are targeting a more general audience. By choosing to focus on a niche market, they are going against the current or popular trend, which can be challenging and risky, but it may also lead to a competitive advantage or success in the long run.

    • The politician's stance on immigration is swimming against the tide as the majority of her constituents strongly support stricter immigration policies.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone's opinion or belief is contrary to the common or popular opinion. In this example, the politician's stance on immigration goes against the wishes of her constituents, who prefer more restrictive immigration policies. This can be politically challenging for the politician, as it may cause backlash or criticism from her constituents.

    • The CEO's decision to reinvest profits into the company instead of distributing dividends is swimming against the tide in the current economic climate, where many shareholders expect dividends as part of their returns.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone is going against the prevailing economic or financial trend. In this example, the CEO is choosing to reinvest profits into the company instead of distributing dividends to shareholders, which is not in line with the current market trend of distributing dividends to shareholders. This decision may be unpopular with some shareholders, who may prefer dividends instead of reinvestment, but it may also be a strategic move to strengthen the company's position in the long run.

    • The athlete's injury comeback is swimming against the tide, as she is competing in a major tournament just six months after a serious injury that sidelined her for an entire year.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone is overcoming a significant obstacle, challenge or setback. In this example, the athlete is returning to competition after a serious injury that sidelined her for an extended period. This comeback is challenging and risky, as the athlete needs to regain her fitness and form after a long absence from competition. However, it also demonstrates the athlete's determination and resilience in overcoming a significant setback.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "swimming against the tide" is used to discourage someone from pursuing a particular course of action, warning that it will not lead to success. It can also describe a challenging situation where one is going against popular opinion or the norm.

    Origin of "swimming against the tide"

    The origin of the idiom "swimming against the tide" can be traced back to the literal act of swimming against a strong current in a body of water. This action is not only physically demanding but also goes against the natural flow of the water, making it difficult and often futile. Over time, the expression has been adopted in a figurative sense to describe situations where one is going against the prevailing trend or facing significant resistance. The idiom is used to convey the idea of struggle and adversity, as well as the unlikelihood of achieving success when going against the tide of public opinion or established norms. For example, someone might use this idiom to caution a friend against pursuing a risky business venture, warning that they will be "swimming against the tide" of market forces.