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go against the grain
/ɡoʊ əˈɡeɪnst ðə ɡreɪn/◆idiom
to act contrary to prevailing norms or expectations
She decided to go against the grain and pursue a career in art instead of medicine.
She chose to defy conventional expectations by pursuing art over medicine.
informal
To act in opposition to what is generally accepted or expected, often requiring courage or defiance.
The activist went against the grain by challenging the company's unethical practices.
The activist defied the norm by speaking out against the company's unethical behavior.
This idiom is often used to describe actions that require standing out or going against the majority opinion.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Usage Tip
Use this idiom when describing actions that require courage or defiance of social norms.
Word Origin
The phrase originates from woodworking, where cutting against the grain of wood is difficult and often results in a rough finish. Metaphorically, it describes actions that are difficult or unconventional.
Usage Notes
This idiom is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe actions that challenge norms or expectations.
English Dictionary