Meaning
Going against the popular opinion.
Cultural Background
In Turkey, 'Mahalle Baskısı' (neighborhood pressure) is a strong sociological concept. Going against the tide often means risking social exclusion from one's immediate community. The Bosphorus currents are so strong that in the Ottoman era, special rowers called 'hamlacı' were trained specifically to navigate against them. Rock music in Turkey often uses this idiom to describe the 'rebel' lifestyle of artists who reject the dominant 'Arabesque' or 'Pop' trends. Turkish political history is defined by 'akımlar' (currents/movements). A politician who leaves their movement is often described as going against the tide, which is seen as either betrayal or great bravery.
Use it for 'Unpopular Opinions'
When sharing an unpopular opinion on social media, start with 'Akıntıya karşı gitmek gibi olacak ama...' to soften the blow.
Don't use with 'gelmek'
While 'karşı gelmek' is a verb, 'akıntıya karşı gelmek' sounds unnatural to native speakers. Stick to 'gitmek' or 'yüzmek'.
Meaning
Going against the popular opinion.
Use it for 'Unpopular Opinions'
When sharing an unpopular opinion on social media, start with 'Akıntıya karşı gitmek gibi olacak ama...' to soften the blow.
Don't use with 'gelmek'
While 'karşı gelmek' is a verb, 'akıntıya karşı gelmek' sounds unnatural to native speakers. Stick to 'gitmek' or 'yüzmek'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct case ending and verb form.
Herkes bu fikri desteklerken, o akıntı___ karşı _______ (gitmek - past tense).
'Akıntı' requires the dative case '-ya' before 'karşı', and the context implies a completed action (past tense).
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly to mean 'non-conformity'?
Aşağıdaki cümlelerin hangisinde deyim doğru kullanılmıştır?
Option B uses the idiom in its figurative sense (creating trends by being different), while others are literal.
Match the situation with the most appropriate idiom.
Bir sanatçı, herkes dijital sanat yaparken hala yağlı boya kullanmaya devam ediyor.
The artist is choosing a different path from the majority, which is 'akıntıya karşı gitmek'.
Complete the dialogue.
Ahmet: 'Neden tüm arkadaşların gibi mühendis olmadın?' Mehmet: 'Çünkü ben her zaman _________________.'
Mehmet is explaining his choice to be different, so 'akıntıya karşı gitmek' is the correct fit.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHerkes bu fikri desteklerken, o akıntı___ karşı _______ (gitmek - past tense).
'Akıntı' requires the dative case '-ya' before 'karşı', and the context implies a completed action (past tense).
Aşağıdaki cümlelerin hangisinde deyim doğru kullanılmıştır?
Option B uses the idiom in its figurative sense (creating trends by being different), while others are literal.
Bir sanatçı, herkes dijital sanat yaparken hala yağlı boya kullanmaya devam ediyor.
The artist is choosing a different path from the majority, which is 'akıntıya karşı gitmek'.
Ahmet: 'Neden tüm arkadaşların gibi mühendis olmadın?' Mehmet: 'Çünkü ben her zaman _________________.'
Mehmet is explaining his choice to be different, so 'akıntıya karşı gitmek' is the correct fit.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt is generally neutral but leans positive. It suggests courage and independence, though some might use it to describe someone being difficult.
Yes, if you are literally swimming against a current in a river or sea, you can use it literally.
'Gitmek' is more common for abstract ideas and trends. 'Yüzmek' is more common for personal, exhausting struggles.
Akıntıya karşı gidiyoruz.
Related Phrases
akıntıya kürek çekmek
similarTo strive in vain.
sürüden ayrılmak
similarTo leave the herd.
rüzgara karşı tükürmek
contrastTo spit against the wind.
akıntısına bırakmak
contrastTo go with the flow.
