go against the grain
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"It's because these films are so beautiful, so unique and so strong that they sometimes go against the grain," said Binoche.
From Barron's • Feb. 15, 2026
The leaders of the so-called men's conferences have been polygamists - seen by some as people who go against the grain, against societal pressures, to do what they want to do.
From BBC • Feb. 14, 2024
But as long as food waste is a significant contributor to climate change, I will go against the grain, so to speak, to make an impact and hope my oddball ways catch on.
From Washington Post • Apr. 20, 2023
Steering the Holofceners’ limited remaining assets toward a single nonprofit, rather than a group of organizations, seemed to go against the grain of basic business advice: Spread your resources out in a portfolio of investments.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 19, 2023
“And, thanking you a thousand times,” replied Seth, “but I guess and calculate that at his time of life, civilisation would kind o’ go against the grain of old Seth.”
From The Cruise of the Snowbird A Story of Arctic Adventure by Stables, Gordon
