go with your gut

USAGE SUMMARY

"go with your gut" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used when someone is making an important decision and is unsure which option to choose. For example: "I'm not sure which job to take - the one in my hometown or the one in the city. I guess I'll just have to go with my gut."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But you go with your gut feeling.

Independent

You need to go with your gut.

Forbes

"Go with your gut on your choice.

The Guardian

Sometimes you have to just go with your gut.

The New York Times

Go with your gut instinct and gut feeling.

The Guardian

You have to go with your gut feeling".

The Guardian - Sport

"Sometimes you have to go with your gut," Shanahan said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I always say to people: go with your gut instinct.

The Guardian

"In the end you just go with your gut.

The New York Times

What I found out is actually you go with your gut.

The New York Times

That's where the Neil Young instinct comes in; to go with your gut".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "go with your gut" when emphasizing the importance of intuition in decision-making, especially when data is limited or contradictory.

Common error

Avoid using "go with your gut" as a justification for ignoring available data or expert advice. While intuition can be valuable, it should complement, not replace, rational analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go with your gut" functions as an idiomatic expression. It serves as a directive or recommendation to rely on one's intuition or instinct when making a decision. This idiom, as Ludwig's examples demonstrate, advises trusting internal feelings, particularly when rational analysis is insufficient or inconclusive.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

21%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "go with your gut" encourages relying on intuition, particularly when rational analysis falls short. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. While it's wise to heed your instincts, remember to balance intuition with available data and expert advice. Alternatives like "trust your instincts" or "follow your intuition" offer similar guidance, emphasizing the importance of internal wisdom in decision-making. Use this phrase when empowering someone, and in general be mindful of over-relying on your gut.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trust your instincts

Emphasizes reliance on inherent, often unconscious, knowledge.

follow your intuition

Highlights the use of intuitive understanding, often implying a sense of knowing without rational proof.

rely on your gut feeling

Directly equates to the original phrase, emphasizing the emotional or instinctive aspect of decision-making.

listen to your inner voice

Focuses on an internal guidance system, often suggesting a deeper, more personal source of wisdom.

trust your feelings

General advice to trust one's own emotional reactions.

act on your hunch

Implies acting on a feeling or suspicion that lacks concrete evidence.

bank on your intuition

Suggests heavily relying on intuitive knowledge.

use your best judgment

Suggests making a decision based on experience and discernment, even if complete information is lacking.

play it by ear

Suggests adapting to a situation as it unfolds, making decisions based on immediate circumstances rather than a pre-set plan.

take a shot in the dark

Implies making a decision without much information, accepting the risk of being wrong.

FAQs

What does "go with your gut" mean?

The phrase "go with your gut" means to trust your intuition or instinct when making a decision, rather than relying solely on logic or analysis. It suggests that your subconscious feelings can provide valuable guidance.

When is it appropriate to "go with your gut"?

It's often appropriate to "go with your gut" when you lack sufficient information for a purely rational decision, or when you have a strong feeling about something despite conflicting evidence. However, it shouldn't replace careful consideration when possible.

What are some alternatives to "go with your gut"?

You can use alternatives like "trust your instincts", "follow your intuition", or "rely on your gut feeling" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever wrong to "go with your gut"?

Yes, it can be unwise to "go with your gut" if you're under stress, emotionally compromised, or lack experience in the area you're deciding about. In such cases, seeking objective advice and data-driven analysis is crucial.