Zig when others zag

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Meaning

To take an unconventional or opposite approach from the crowd, choosing a unique path for advantage or flair.

Origin

From 20th-century America, possibly tied to 1930s football or boxing, where zigzagging dodged foes; 'zag' rhymes with 'zig' for catchy flair. A 1980s ad campaign ('Zig when they zag') for a car brand boosted it, but it echoes older 'go your own way' ideas. It reflects a modern love of mavericks and market edge, growing into a snappy idiom for bucking trends with style.

Variants

  • Zig and zag

Usage Examples

  • She zigs when others zag, always picking odd jobs.
  • Zig when others zag; that's how he built his brand.
  • In this market, you've got to zig when others zag to win.

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