Basic Details
Word: Upstream
Part of Speech: Adverb / Preposition / Adjective
Meaning: In the direction that water flows from a river; towards the source.
Synonyms: Against the current, up river
Antonyms: Downstream
Idioms and Phrases
- Swim upstream: To go against the flow or the common trend. Example: "In a world of fast fashion, she decided to swim upstream and wear sustainable clothes."
- Go against the grain: To do something contrary to what is expected or typical. Example: "Choosing not to follow the latest fads often means going against the grain."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The salmon fish swim upstream to spawn in the streams where they were born.
Example 2: The canoe glided upstream, fighting against the strong river current.
Example 3: The scientists explored the river upstream to find the source of the pollution.
Fun Fact
Did you know that some fish, like salmon, travel hundreds of miles upstream every year to lay their eggs? This journey is quite challenging because they have to swim against the current!
Famous Quote
"To go against the grain is to swim upstream; you may not always find it easy, but it's often worth it." - Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "upstream" mean?
a) In the direction of the river's source
b) Away from the river
c) Downstream of a river
d) On the riverbank
Answer: a) In the direction of the river's source
2. Which of these is a synonym of "upstream"?
a) Downstream
b) Against the current
c) Riverbank
d) Below sea level
Answer: b) Against the current
3. What is the antonym of "upstream"?
a) Up river
b) Downstream
c) Against the current
d) In the water
Answer: b) Downstream
4. Which sentence uses "upstream" correctly?
a) The boat sailed upstream towards the ocean.
b) The river flows upstream past the village.
c) They travelled upstream to find the source of the river.
d) The fish swam downstream to spawn.
Answer: c) They travelled upstream to find the source of the river.
5. Which idiom means to go against the common trend?
a) Swim upstream
b) Go with the flow
c) Downstream thoughts
d) As easy as pie
Answer: a) Swim upstream
