go against the tide

go against the tide

To go against or disagree with a prevailing or popularly held opinion or perspective; to act or behave contrary to the majority of others. I really went against the tide when I was in college with some radical opinions, but as I've grown older I've found myself falling more in line with others. I don't understand why you always have to go against the tide instead of making things a little easier on yourself!
See also: go, tide
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

go, swim, etc. with/against the ˈstream/ˈtide

behave/not behave in the same way as most other people: He’s a fashion designer who’s always swum against the stream; his work is very original. Why do you always have to go against the tide?
See also: stream, tide
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • swim upstream
  • swim against the current
  • swim against the stream
  • swim against the tide
  • go with the stream
  • go with the tide
  • swim with the current
  • swim with the stream
  • swim with the tide
  • swim with the tide, to
References in periodicals archive
But even in these regions countries go against the tide - with Qatar having a higher female participation rate than the UK.
It is true that it is challenging to go against the tide of cultural expectations about motherhood, and I have seen so many talented women leave jobs they love to raise their children.
But if you are still reading, since your curiosity is now suitably piqued, perhaps you may gain from this particular 10pc rule and may also end up appreciating the writer's endeavour to go against the tide and repeatedly bring to the fore topics which the proponents of free markets don't want discussed at any forum.
No matter how uncomfortable it is to go against the tide, the 22 members of the Consultative Committee (Con-com) handpicked by the President were one in pushing for the major change in the country's form of government, which they believe will set the country free from decades of political and economic shackles-entrenched systems and practices that lie at the root of most problems.
"Certain people go against the tide for their own private ends and go against morality; the barrier of tariffs wantonly rise, and the stick of hegemony is raised all around," the commentary said.
Historically, the voters in K-P tend to go against the tide with a divided vote bank.
The tenth year of the White Crow award, celebrating young people and activists who break prejudices and go against the tide. At a time when most of Slovak society, including President Andrej Kiska, perceives corruption and cronyism as a pressing and evident problem, two young people received the White Crow award for pointing out the dubious state of orders.
Being modern is when you can go against the tide, and say, 'This is who I am.'
A private life ensures that each person can create his or her own unique identity and determine his or her life's direction - the right to fail along the way or to go against the tide. The right to privacy is thus a prerequisite for active democracy.
Maybe, just maybe, we should go against the tide. And that was what we exactly did.
It takes real effort to go against the tide, especially when delegates' work is all done voluntarily.
While many clubs see trophies as a sign of a successful manager, Andrew wasn't afraid to go against the tide, creating a mixed club that allowed everyone to play no matter their religious background.
And Mr Blair paid tribute to "" Labour leader Ed Miliband, saying: "He is his own man, with his own convictions and determined to follow them even when they go against the tide. I respect that."
He showed on this, as on other issues, he is his own man, with his own convictions and he is determined to follow them even when they go against the tide. I respect that."
IT is just like Mahesh Bhatt to go against the tide. At a time when popular plays are being adapted into Bollywood movies and theatre artists are making a beeline for the silver screen, the celebrated producer- director is looking forward to seeing his classic films come alive on stage.