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

Anything unexpectedly or especially moving, rousing, funny or strange, things that go against the grain of a production that wants to keep things controlled in order to bring the ship in on time.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 15, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 23, 2026

"It's because these films are so beautiful, so unique and so strong that they sometimes go against the grain," said Binoche.

From Barron's ● Feb. 15, 2026

If a player goes against the grain, they might be out.

From BBC ● Dec. 8, 2025

Though he had done his best to think it out, what he was doing was altogether against the grain of his nature.

From "The Two Towers" by J. R. R. Tolkien

Related Words

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