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.
Anything unexpectedly or especially moving, rousing, funny or strange, things that go against the grain of a production that wants to keep things controlled in order to bring the ship in on time.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 15, 2026
Many of our best picks resulted from a willingness to go against the grain with out-of-favor stocks—and impeccable timing.
From Barron's ● Jan. 29, 2026
We should nurture them as an occasionally irresponsible group that can go against the grain of society and pronounce hard truths.
From Salon ● Nov. 1, 2025
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
And it ought to go against the grain too,—living in the country and paying for milk!
From The Belton Estate by Anthony Trollope
