How to Say "Go With the Flow" in French

suivre le mouvement

The English phrase 'go with the flow' is expressed in French as suivre le mouvement.

This phrase is used to describe acting as others are acting. It can also imply a lack of initiative or a passive attitude.

Meaning: to act as others are acting (verb)

What does it mean word for word?

Literally, suivre le mouvement means 'to follow the movement'.

While suivre le mouvement describes passive conformity, French speakers use suivre le courant to describe literally following a river's current or figuratively following a trend.
The word mouvement is linguistically related to the English word 'emotion', as both are derived from the same Latin root for 'to move'.
In French, if someone is too passive in suivre le mouvement, they might be described as un mouton, meaning 'a sheep', which is a common insult for lack of originality.

Dans ce contexte professionnel, il est préférable de suivre le courant plutôt que de résister aux changements.
In this professional context, it is preferable to go with the flow rather than resist changes.
Dans cette situation délicate, il est préférable de se laisser porter par les événements plutôt que de chercher à tout contrôler.
In this delicate situation, it is better to go with the flow rather than try to control everything.
Ne t'inquiète pas trop et laisse-toi aller. Il est important de se détendre et de se laisser porter par la vie.
Don't worry too much and go with the flow. It's important to relax and let life take its course.
On ne peut pas tout contrôler dans la vie. Il faut parfois se laisser faire et profiter du moment présent.
We can't control everything in life. Sometimes we need to go with the flow and enjoy the present moment.
Il ne veut pas faire de vagues, il préfère suivre le mouvement.
He doesn't want to make waves, he prefers to go with the flow.
Je vais juste suivre le mouvement ce soir.
I am just going to go with the flow tonight.
Il préfère suivre le mouvement plutôt que de décider.
He prefers to go with the flow rather than deciding.
Si tout le monde part, je vais suivre le mouvement.
If everyone leaves, I will go with the flow.

Two friends are deciding what to do on a Saturday night.

Manon

On va au cinéma ou on reste ici ?
Are we going to the cinema or staying here?
Lucas

Je ne sais pas, je vais suivre le mouvement.
I don't know, I'll just go with the flow.
Manon

D'accord, alors on peut aller manger des pizzas.
Okay, then we can go eat some pizzas.
Lucas

Ça me va très bien, Manon.
That sounds great to me, Manon.

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