fighting against the current

Meaning

1. 1phraseidiom

   Struggling against a strong opposing force, either literally in water or figuratively in life.

   Grammar: Used after a verb like 'be' or 'keep': They are fighting against the current. It does not take a direct object after 'against'.

   Patterns

   • be fighting against the current
   • keep fighting against the current
   • like fighting against the current

   The swimmer was exhausted from fighting against the current.

   Trying to change the company culture felt like fighting against the current.

   She kept fighting against the current of public opinion.

Common combinations

fighting against the current of

He is fighting against the current of tradition.

like fighting against the current

Arguing with him is like fighting against the current.

keep fighting against the current

They decided to keep fighting against the current.

Synonyms and how they differ

swimming upstream

Similar figurative meaning, but often implies going against the majority; 'fighting against the current' emphasizes active struggle.

going against the tide

Focuses on opposing a trend; 'fighting against the current' suggests more effort and resistance.

Opposites

Word family

fight verb

To use force or arguments against someone or something.

current noun

A flow of water, air, or electricity; also a general trend.

Commonly confused: fighting against the current or fighting the current?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “fighting against the current”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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