go against the grain

Cultural  

1. To go contrary to someone's natural disposition: “Having to get up this early in the morning really goes against my grain.” This refers to the fact that someone who rubs his hand against the grain on a piece of lumber will get splinters.

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Example Sentences

"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

We should nurture them as an occasionally irresponsible group that can go against the grain of society and pronounce hard truths.

From Salon • Nov. 1, 2025

The leaders of the so-called men's conferences have been polygamists - seen by some as people who go against the grain, against societal pressures, to do what they want to do.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2024

But as long as food waste is a significant contributor to climate change, I will go against the grain, so to speak, to make an impact and hope my oddball ways catch on.

From Washington Post • Apr. 20, 2023

He had to learn verses of the Bible for his father, which used to go against the grain, until at last, instead of being "a wicked boy," he took up religion on his own account.

From Mystic London: or, Phases of occult life in the metropolis by Davies, Charles Maurice