go / be / run against the grain

/ɡˌəʊ ɔː biː ɔː ɹˈʌn ɐɡˈɛnst ðə ɡɹˈeɪn/

/ɡˌoʊ ɔːɹ biː ɔːɹ ɹˈʌn ɐɡˈɛnst ðə ɡɹˈeɪn/

[phrase]

to go / be / run against the grain

[PHRASE]

to do or be something completely different than what is natural or usual

to [go|be|run] against the grain definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "go against the grain" and when to use it?

The idiom "go against the grain" originated from the practice of milling or grinding grains, particularly wheat. When grinding wheat into flour, it is more efficient and easier to go with the natural alignment of the grain, as it requires less energy and produces a smoother result. However, if one were to grind the wheat "against the grain," going in the opposite direction, it would be harder and more challenging. It can be applied to situations where people challenge societal standards, question traditional practices, or choose their own paths.

Examples

1. It is against the grain for me to tackle dishonest people.

2. So I've always been a go against the grain pioneer kind of guy most of my life, and I figured this is probably a good opportunity.

3. and then i'd go on the shorter sides which is against the grain and then finally treated with two coats of danish oil now something particularly important when it comes to being on tv is getting branding off and this structural timber had it in quite a few different places so i had to send those off as best i could

4. Remember when you're cutting picanha you always want to cut it with the grain so your final cuts are against the grain.

Nearby words