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If something goes against the grain, you would not usually do it because it would be unusual: These days it goes against the grain to show too much respect for authority. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases. Unsuitable and unacceptable. amiss. be in bad, poor, the worst possible, etc. taste idiom. beneath your dignity idiom.
The meaning of AGAINST THE GRAIN is different from what is normal or usual. How to use against the grain in a sentence.
phrase. If you say that an idea or action goes against the grain, you mean that it is very difficult for you to accept it or do it, because it conflicts with your previous ideas, beliefs, or principles. Takes some nerve, obviously, and it goes against the grain of British reserve. See full dictionary entry for grain.
1. Lit. across the alignment of the fibers of a piece of wood. (*Typically: be ~; Cut ~; go ~; run ~; saw ~.) You sawed it wrong. You sawed against the grain when you should have cut with grain. You went against the grain and made a mess of your sanding. 2. Fig. running counter to one's feelings or ideas. (*Typically: be ~; go ~.)
against the grain. A. against the grain. Meaning | Synonyms. a difficult path to be followed; something which is contradicting our wishes; action performed unwillingly; hard to accept or do something as it is against our rules; things we don’t do in the usual manner
Against the Grain Meaning. Definition: To do something differently from the standard way most people do it. This idiom means to do things one’s own way, going against the normal rules or expectations for how that thing is usually done.
This metaphor refers to the natural direction of the fibers in a piece of wood, called its grain ; when sawed obliquely, or “against the grain,” the wood will tend to splinter. [c. 1600] For a synonym, see rub the wrong way. Discover More.
against the grain meaning, definition, what is against the grain: if something goes against the grain, it ...: Learn more.
Idiom: Against the grain. Meaning: If doing something goes against the grain, you're unwilling to do it because it contradicts what you believe in, but you have no real choice. Country: International English | Subject Area: General | Usage Type: Both or All Words Used. Contributor: Richard Flynn.
Against the grain is an idiom with logical, literal origins. Its roots are used to describe how to work with the grain of the wood to help smooth and finish and that one should go with the grain rather than against it to avoid damage.
