follow the crowd

/ˈfɒloʊ ðə kraʊd/

phrase★Intermediate

informal

To conform to the behavior or opinions of the majority, often without critical thinking or independent judgment.

Instead of making his own decision, he chose to follow the crowd and invest in the trending stock.

Rather than thinking for herself, she followed the crowd and joined the protest without understanding the cause.

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This phrase often carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of individuality or critical thinking.

Collocations

blindly follow the crowdto conform without questioninggo against the crowdto act independently of the majority

go with the flowphrase

to accept things as they happen without resistance

peer pressurephrase

social influence to conform to group norms

Be aware of when you might be following the crowd without considering your own values or beliefs.

While it's natural to be influenced by others, it's important to form your own opinions and make independent decisions when necessary.

The phrase originates from the idea of people physically following a large group, metaphorically extending to social and behavioral conformity.

This phrase is commonly used to describe situations where people adopt popular opinions or trends without personal evaluation.

to go or come after in the same direction

verb

the crowd

a large group of people

noun phrase

English Dictionary