against the grain

Idioms and Phrases

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 .

Example Sentences

Trump is known for defying tradition and going against the grain, but the recent appointments suggest a larger agenda, some political observers say.

From Los Angeles Times

Where medical experts find mountains of studies and years of data to be conclusive, Kennedy goes zooming against the grain, for little apparent reason.

From Slate

Then there’s one race that goes against the grain: Baltimore is voting on mayoral control of the police force, a progressive policy priority nine years after Freddie Gray was killed in the back of a police van.

From Slate

How do you think we can reconcile Rhiannon's killing with the undeniably real emotion of female rage, which is often presented as something deviant, or that goes against the grain of how we often see women depicted as sort of quiet and controlled?

From Salon

Sir Keir added that the decision to release prisoners early was difficult and "goes against the grain of everything I've ever done", referring to his former role as chief prosecutor.

From BBC

Related Words

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