against the grain

Idioms  

1. Opposed to one's inclination or preference, as in We followed the new supervisor's advice, though it went against the grain. This metaphor refers to the natural direction of the fibers in a piece of wood, called its grain; when sawed obliquely, or “against the grain,” the wood will tend to splinter. [c. 1600] For a synonym, see rub the wrong way.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

against the grain

This advice goes against the grain of American culture and commerce lately, but many “roadies” agree that it’s crucial to getting the best of Route 66.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 12, 2026

Earlier this month, Poland’s central bank went against the grain.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 23, 2026

Many of our best picks resulted from a willingness to go against the grain with out-of-favor stocks—and impeccable timing.

From Barron's ● Jan. 29, 2026

For someone who has always gone against the grain, and occasionally off the rails, it is hard to imagine what he could do now to diminish his status, however.

From BBC ● Mar. 23, 2025

But still he never wished me good luck and that has always gone against the grain.

From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote

Related Words

• afraid
• averse
• compelled
• evasive
• forced
• loath
• reluctant
• resistant
• unenthusiastic