go against the grain
To do something or be in opposition or contrary to what is generally understood, assumed, practiced, or accepted. The artist always tried to go against the grain, ignoring the artistic trends of her day. All these kids think they are going against the grain, but they're really all dressed the same! I really went against the grain when I was in college with some radical opinions, but as I've grown older I have found myself falling more in line with other people's way of thinking.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
go against the grain
COMMON If an idea or action goes against the grain, it is the opposite from what you feel is right or normal and you find it difficult to accept. It goes against the grain to pay more for a product that you know is inferior. The decision not to have children somehow goes against the grain. Note: Something can also run against the grain. It runs against the grain to force your child to leave home. Note: The grain of a piece of wood is the direction of its fibres. It is easier to cut or plane wood along the direction of the grain, rather than across it.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
be/go against the ˈgrain
be or do something different from what is normal or natural: Voting for the Liberal Party goes against the grain with him. He’s voted Conservative all his life. ♢ It goes against the grain for her to spend a lot of money on clothes.The grain is the natural direction of lines in a piece of wood.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017