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
Recent Examples on the Web
Slice the thighs and breasts against the grain for the most tender texture.
—
Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 25 Nov. 2024
The Valour is a motoring experience against the grain, a contemporary master class in the art of old-school driving.
—Angus MacKenzie, Robb Report, 11 Sep. 2024
The group’s closure demonstrates that Chinese censors may keep working in perpetuity while the communications tools of activists and people with stories against the grain, like Peng, have their online existence hang by a thread.
—Rui Zhong, WIRED, 5 Dec. 2021
But choosing to go against the grain isn’t without risk, as each choice shapes the path forward in surprising ways.
—Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for against the grain 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 25 Nov. 2024
The Valour is a motoring experience against the grain, a contemporary master class in the art of old-school driving.
—Angus MacKenzie, Robb Report, 11 Sep. 2024
The group’s closure demonstrates that Chinese censors may keep working in perpetuity while the communications tools of activists and people with stories against the grain, like Peng, have their online existence hang by a thread.
—Rui Zhong, WIRED, 5 Dec. 2021
But choosing to go against the grain isn’t without risk, as each choice shapes the path forward in surprising ways.
—Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2024
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 17 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share