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.

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

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

From BBC • Aug. 20, 2025

Like their immortal counterparts, these two thoroughly enjoy their work, and they especially delight in knowing their vampires go against the grain of the type of bloody romance 20- and 30-something viewers were raised with.

From Salon • May 26, 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

It did go against the grain to play myself for a longshot, though; but Jarvis wouldn't listen to anything else, claimin' his weight and reach made it an even thing.

From Shorty McCabe by Wilson, F. Vaux (Francis Vaux)