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

David Murdoch: Going to go against the grain here and say this tie isn't over.

From BBC • Aug. 20, 2025

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

Some may decide to harmonize with the group, whereas others “might make the deliberate choice to go against the grain, others might also make the choice to not even participate in that,” said Rajasekar.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 7, 2022

"Would it go against the grain with you, John?"

From Marion Fay by Trollope, Anthony