1 B2 idiomatic informal
To adapt to changing situations or difficulties without being upset or destabilised.
"You need to learn to roll with the unexpected if you work in events management."
roll with
B2 informal transitive
To adapt to a situation, accept changes, and continue without being thrown off course.
In plain English
To just go with the flow and not get upset when things don't go as planned.
What does "roll with" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic slang
To associate or spend time with a person or group (slang).
"He used to roll with a pretty tough crowd back in high school."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move along with something — the boxing metaphor of moving with a punch to reduce its impact underlies the figurative sense.
Actually means
To just go with the flow and not get upset when things don't go as planned.
Usage tip
Often used as 'roll with it' or 'roll with the punches' (a boxing metaphor meaning to absorb difficulties without being knocked down). 'Roll with the punches' is a very well-established idiom. Implies a relaxed, flexible attitude. Common in spoken American and British English.
Words that pair with "roll with"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
punches changes it flow situation challenges setbacks
How to conjugate "roll with"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
roll with
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rolls with
he/she/it
Past simple
rolled with
yesterday
Past participle
rolled with
have + pp
-ing form
rolling with
continuous
Hear "roll with" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "roll with" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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