Meaning & use
riding the wave
Last updated
Meanings
phraseidiomfigurative
Taking advantage of a period of success, popularity, or good conditions to make progress.
Grammar: Used as a continuous verb phrase, often followed by 'of' to name the trend or situation.
Patterns
- riding the wave of something
- riding a wave of something
The company is riding the wave of demand for electric cars.
She's been riding the wave of her viral video to launch a music career.
Investors are riding the wave of optimism in the tech sector.
phraseidiomfigurative
Managing to stay successful or survive during a difficult or changing situation.
Grammar: Often used with 'through' to specify the difficulty.
Patterns
- riding the wave through something
The small business is riding the wave through the economic downturn.
He's riding the wave of public support while the scandal continues.
Common combinations
- riding the wave of success
- After the book became a bestseller, she was riding the wave of success.
- riding the wave of popularity
- The politician is riding the wave of popularity before the election.
- riding the wave of change
- Companies must adapt to riding the wave of technological change.
- riding the wave of demand
- Farmers are riding the wave of high demand for organic produce.
Synonyms and how they differ
- capitalizing on
- This is more direct and often used in business contexts; 'riding the wave' suggests a smoother, less calculated process.
- surfing
- Informal and often used with 'success' or 'trend'; it emphasizes a playful or effortless quality.
Opposites
Practice
The startup is ___ the wave of interest in artificial intelligence to attract investors.
Choose one answer.
'Riding the wave' is the correct idiom meaning to take advantage of a trend. 'Driving' would mean causing the trend, which is different. 'Sailing' and 'flying' are not used in this idiom.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “riding the wave”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.