godan verb (-su), intransitive verb
pole a boat; punt a boat
Literal action of propelling a boat using a pole, typically in shallow water.
川を渡るとき、船頭が棹さして進んだ。
When crossing the river, the boatman poled the boat forward.
godan verb (-su), intransitive verb
go with the flow; swim with the tide
Figurative use: to act in accordance with the prevailing trend or circumstances.
彼は時代の流れに棹さして成功した。
He succeeded by going with the flow of the times.
godan verb (-su), intransitive verb
go against the flow; go against the tide
Figurative use: to resist or oppose the prevailing trend or circumstances. Less common than the 'go with the flow' sense.
彼は世論に棹さして自分の意見を貫いた。
He went against public opinion and stuck to his own views.