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

“It goes against the grain of what singers are trained to do,” Patrick Morganelli, who composed the score, told The Times back when it was first staged.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026

But I am going to go against the grain here.

From BBC ● Apr. 23, 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

He was, he knew, motoring against the grain of boats drifting down the bank.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson

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Related Words

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