Phrase guide

swim upstream

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To opt for a difficult course of action when a simpler or safer alternative is available; to make an unwise decision against sound advice.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • 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.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.