swim upstream
To opt for a difficult course of action when a simpler or safer alternative is availableTo opt for a difficult course of action when a simpler or safer alternative is available; to make an unwise decision against sound advice.
» The fish are swimming upstream.
Meaning
1 senses(idiomatic)To opt for a difficult course of action when a simpler or safer alternative is available; to make an unwise decision against sound advice.
I told my daughter to get her hair dyed at a salon, but she had to swim upstream and do it herself. Now it's a mess.
Examples
8 sentencesThe fish are swimming upstream.
Some fish swim upstream to spawn.
deEinige Fische schwimmen zum Laichen stromaufwärts. — Melang
The salmon swim upstream to their spawning grounds.
The trout swam upstream.
deDie Forelle schwamm flussaufwärts. — Pfirsichbaeumchen
The trout was swimming upstream.
ruФорель плыла вверх по течению. — Wezel
deDie Forelle schwamm flussaufwärts. — Pfirsichbaeumchen
Forms
swims upstream, swimming upstream, swam upstream, swum upstream| Base form | swim upstream · to swim upstream |
|---|---|
| 3rd person singular | swims upstream |
| Present participle | swimming upstream |
| Past simple | swam upstream |
| Past participle | swum upstream |
irregular · Lesson
Synonyms
1 synonymsLessons for this word
3 lessons- A1Present simple — Because it is a verb
- A1Past simple, irregular verbs — Because of its past form
- A2Present perfect: introduction — Because of its past participle