ENGLISH
REFERENCE

whatever floats your boat

idiom
Meaning

One should do whatever stimulates one or suits one's inclinations.


Origin

disputed origin

The earliest evidence hints that the phrase originated in the late 1970s among pleasure boaters in the United States.

Examples
SIMPLE

If you want to paint your room pink, whatever floats your boat.

CONTEXTUAL

Some people love running marathons, but I prefer reading at home; whatever floats your boat.

COMPLEX

Whether you choose to pursue a traditional career or travel the world, you should simply do whatever floats your boat.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    boy in the boat

    The human clitoris.

  2. 02

    float someone's boat

    To interest or appeal to someone; to make someone happy.

  3. 03

    fresh off the boat

    Newly arrived from a foreign place, especially as an immigrant who is still unfamiliar with the customs and language of their new environment.

  4. 04

    get in the boat and row

    To make a substantial effort, especially in cooperation with others in a group; also, to perform one's share of work.

  5. 05

    in the same boat

    In the same situation or predicament; having the same problems.

  6. 06

    push the boat out

    To do something, especially spend money, more extravagantly than usual, particularly for a celebration.

  7. 07

    rock the boat

    To disturb the status quo or go against rules or conventions, as in an effort to get attention.

  8. 08

    row in the same boat

    To be in the same or similar situation.

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