follow the crowd: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘follow the crowd’ mean?
"follow the crowd" means to do the same as everyone else or to conform to the majority opinion or behavior.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "keep up with the Joneses" means to try to match or rival the lifestyle or possessions of one's neighbors or peers, often driven by the desire for social status or recognition.
The idiom "jump on the bandwagon" means to join or support a popular trend or cause, often without much thought or consideration.
This idiom means to adapt to a situation or circumstance without resisting or trying to control it. It implies going along with whatever is happening and not trying to change or fight against it.
The idiom "go with" means to accompany or choose something/someone, often in a romantic or social context. It can also mean to be compatible or harmonious with something/someone. The specific meaning depends on the context of its usage.
The idiom "go the way of" means to follow the same path or fate as something or someone, usually implying that the outcome will not be favorable or will result in obsolescence or extinction.
This idiom means to change one's opinion or support in order to align with the majority, often due to perceived benefits or social pressure.
The idiom "go along with" means to agree or accept something, often reluctantly or without enthusiasm.
The idiom "go along to get along" means to conform or agree with others in order to avoid conflict or maintain harmony, often sacrificing personal opinions or beliefs.
The idiom *go along for the ride* means to passively participate in something, without having any control or influence over the outcome.
Hidden Power
The idiom "follow the crowd" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It is often used to describe the act of going along with the actions or opinions of a group, rather than thinking or acting independently. The origin of this idiom is uncertain, as it is believed to have been in use for centuries.
One theory suggests that this idiom may have originated from herding practices. Animals in a pack would naturally "fall in line" and follow the leader. In this context, following the crowd would mean blindly imitating the actions of others without considering the consequences or alternatives.
Another related idiom is "fall in line". This phrase implies that individuals are conforming to the actions or opinions of a group. In the context of "follow the crowd," falling in line would mean going along with the majority without questioning.
Additionally, the idiom may have evolved from the idea of mob mentality or herd behavior. When individuals are part of a large group, they may feel a sense of anonymity and be more likely to conform to the group's behavior, even if it contradicts their personal beliefs or values.
Another related idiom is "go over to the majority." This phrase suggests that individuals are changing their stance or opinion to align with the majority. In the context of "follow the crowd," going over to the majority would mean joining the group and adopting their actions or opinions.
The idiom "follow the crowd" carries a negative connotation in many contexts. It suggests a lack of independent thinking and implies that individuals who simply follow the crowd may be easily swayed or influenced by others. However, there are also instances where following the crowd can be seen as a positive behavior, such as in situations where the crowd is united for a common cause or following expert advice.
The idiom "follow the crowd" is a widely used phrase in the English language that describes the act of going along with the actions or opinions of a group. The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it may have roots in herding practices, social conformity, or mob mentality. While it often carries a negative connotation, there are instances where following the crowd can be seen as a positive behavior. Overall, the idiom reflects the complex nature of human behavior and the influence of social dynamics on individual decision making.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "follow the crowd" can be used in a sentence:
- He didn't have his own opinion, so he just followed the crowd on the issue.
- Instead of making an independent decision, she decided to follow the crowd and go along with their choice.
- They all followed the crowd and bought the latest fashion trend, even though they didn't really like it.
More "Conformity" idioms
