World Rivers Day, celebrated on the last Sunday of September, is right around the corner this year on September 22, 2024! It’s the perfect chance to dive into the fascinating world of river-related idioms and enrich our vocabulary.

In the journey of life, we often encounter moments when we find ourselves in deep water (1), grappling with challenges that seem overwhelming. During these times, it’s crucial to go with the flow (2) and adapt to the changing circumstances, rather than letting stress take over.

When faced with difficult tasks or unexpected issues, remember to cross that bridge when you come to it (3) —deal with problems as they arise rather than getting bogged down by what might happen. If you ever feel like a fish out of water (4) in a new role or situation, take comfort in knowing that still waters run deep (5); even if you’re quiet or reserved, you have valuable thoughts and abilities to contribute.

It’s important to let go of past grievances and let them become water under the bridge (6). Instead, focus on bridging the gap (7) between where you are now and your goals. Embrace the challenge of riding the rapids (8) —handling the fast-moving and turbulent situations with skill and grace.

Ultimately, life is a continuous flow of experiences. Whether you’re paddling your own canoe (9) or navigating through rough waters (10), keep moving forward with determination and resilience. Every twist and turn is part of your unique journey, shaping you into the person you are becoming.

1. to be in deep water – to be in a difficult or challenging situation
2. to go with the flow – to adapt to circumstances or follow the prevailing trend
3. to cross the bridge when you come to it – to deal with a problem when it arises, rather than worrying about it in advance
4. like a fish out of water – to feel uncomfortable or out of place in a particular situation
5. still waters run deep – quiet or reserved people often have profound thoughts or feelings
6. water under the bridge – past events that are no longer considered important or relevant
7. to bridge the gap – to make a connection or resolve a difference between two things
8. to ride the rapids – to deal with fast-moving or turbulent situations with skill and adaptability
9. to paddle your own canoe /kəˈnuː/ – to be independent and self-reliant
10. to navigate through rough waters – to deal with a difficult situation

Other interesting vocabulary from the text 📝

1. to grapple with challenges – to struggle or wrestle with difficulties or obstacles
2. to let stress take over – to allow stress to dominate your thoughts and emotions
3. to get bogged down by something – to become stuck or overwhelmed by a problem
4. to let go of past grievances – to release or forgive past complaints, resentments, or hurts
5. turbulent situation – a chaotic, unstable, or highly disturbed situation
6. to shape someone into someone/something – to influence or mold a person’s development or character, transforming them into a particular kind of person

Other Notable Expressions

Idiom	Meaning	Example
up the creek without a paddle	to be in a difficult situation with no solution or means of escape	When the company lost its biggest client and had no backup plan, they were really up the creek without a paddle.
to cry a river (more on expressions like this here)	to cry a lot	She cried a river when she heard about the job rejection.
to flow like a river	to move smoothly and continuously (of processes, conversations, or actions that proceed effortlessly)	he discussion flowed like a river with everyone contributing ideas seamlessly.
A river runs through it.	refers to something that is central or foundational to a situation	In this novel, family dynamics are central to the story—it’s clear that a river runs through it, shaping every character’s experience.
to swim against the tide	to oppose or resist prevailing trends or opinions	Launching a new product in such a saturated market feels like swimming against the tide.
a steady stream	a continuous and consistent flow of something, such as information, work, or people	The customer service team manages a steady stream of inquiries throughout the day.
to have a river to cross	to face a significant obstacle that needs to be overcome	Before you can start a new business, you have a river to cross in terms of securing funding.
to go against the current /ˈkɜːrənt/	to swim against the tide	His innovative ideas often go against the current of traditional industry practices, but they’re starting to gain recognition.
to bend the river to your will	to exert influence or control over a situation to achieve your desired outcome	She was able to bend the river to her will by negotiating a deal that suited her business perfectly.
to catch the current /ˈkɜːrənt/	to take advantage of an opportunity or trend while it’s available	By investing early in emerging technologies, he managed to catch the current and significantly increase his returns.

Practice

Click the link here and complete the text with the right words.

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