go with it

1. To travel in the company of someone. Don't worry, I'm going with my friend Tom. We'll be perfectly safe. Mary said she will go with you to the store. Don't worry, Mom, I'll go with you to your doctor's appointment.

2. To travel while wearing or in possession of something. I can't believe you went to Europe with nothing but a single change of clothes. I'll be going with enough money to last for a month. A: "You're bringing all of your meds on your trip, right?" B: "Of course! I can't just go off them willy-nilly."

3. To choose or opt for someone or something. I just went with a basic laptop in the end. I really didn't need some fancy high-end PC. Sorry, Tom, but we're going with Karen. She just has a lot more experience with this kind of work. A: "Which option did you go with?" B: "None yet. There's just too many choices!"

4. To follow along with someone or something; to act in accordance with another's actions, especially when their motive or goal is unknown. I could tell Tom was making up the story on the spot to convince his parents, so I just went with it. The key to improv is learning to go with whatever your partner comes up with. If you just go with whatever I say, Mom and Dad won't suspect a thing.

5. To choose to act based on some source of guidance. In the end, it's your decision, so you'll have to go with your instincts. The government has signaled that it will go with the committee's recommendations. Go with your gut. If you think things are about turn violent, get out of there.

6. To support or maintain the same position of someone. I supported your last plan, but I just can't go with you on this idea. I know your husband has a lot of opinions, but you don't have to go with him. Honestly, sharing your differing views could be valuable. A: "You're surprised?" B: "I just figured you'd go with your sister and stop talking to me too."

7. To accompany something else as a typical or intrinsic part or aspect. The perks that go with this job are really quite wonderful. I think I'd be a good manager, but I don't really want all the stress and responsibility that goes with it. I didn't think I'd survive the sleep deprivation that comes with being a new mom.

8. To match or pair with something. In what universe does a plaid jacket go with a polka dot shirt? I don't really think the furniture goes with the rest of the room. I don't think platform loafers really go with your overall look.

9. To be in a romantic or sexual relationship with someone. I heard she's going with the captain of the football team now. I don't usually go with women who are taller than me, but I couldn't resist her charms. I wouldn't ask Nick out—I've heard he's going with Rosemary.

10. obsolete To be pregnant. Used in the phrase "go with child." She bore all her pain and misgivings in private for the nine months that she went with child. As far as I know, Mary's never been married, and she's never gone with child. I'm 40 years old—of course I didn't expect to go with child at this age!

1. To nonchalantly engage in a situation without trying to change it or assert control over it. Can you relax for even five minutes? Just go with it, OK? I try not to plan too much when I take a vacation to a new place. I like to just go with it when I get there. You're such a control freak. Can't you just go with it and let things unfold for once?

2. To follow along with someone or something; to act in accordance with another's actions, especially when their motive or goal is unknown. If the cops show up at the house because the party's too loud, I'll come up with some logical excuse, and you just go with it. I'm going to play a prank on Jenny when she walks in. Just go with it, OK? Just go with whatever I say, and Mom and Dad won't suspect a thing.