against the grain

idiom

: different from what is normal or usual
It takes courage to go against the grain and stand up for what you believe in.

Examples of against the grain in a Sentence

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Murkowski, Collins and Mitch McConnell showed their willingness to go against the grain by voting against Pete Hegseth on the floor, who still then got confirmed as Defense Secretary, with Vice President Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. Victoria Knight, Axios, 30 Jan. 2025 Slice steaks: Cut steaks crosswise against the grain into 1/2-inch-thick slices; sprinkle with flaky salt, if desired. Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2025 Sometimes, doing something new or unusual is uncomfortable and against the grain. John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025 He’s got good handles and poise on the puck, often holding onto it for that extra second to open up a pass back against the grain to a teammate. Scott Wheeler, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for against the grain 

Dictionary Entries Near against the grain

Cite this Entry

“Against the grain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/against%20the%20grain. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.

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