against the grain
idiom
: different from what is normal or usual
It takes courage to go against the grain and stand up for what you believe in.
Examples of against the grain in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Slice steaks: Cut steaks crosswise against the grain into 1/2-inch-thick slices; sprinkle with flaky salt, if desired.
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Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2025
Sometimes, doing something new or unusual is uncomfortable and against the grain.
—John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
He’s got good handles and poise on the puck, often holding onto it for that extra second to open up a pass back against the grain to a teammate.
—Scott Wheeler, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
Aquarius is the black sheep of astrology, because this air sign isn’t afraid to go against the grain.
—Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 12 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for against the grain 
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Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2025
Sometimes, doing something new or unusual is uncomfortable and against the grain.
—John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
He’s got good handles and poise on the puck, often holding onto it for that extra second to open up a pass back against the grain to a teammate.
—Scott Wheeler, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
Aquarius is the black sheep of astrology, because this air sign isn’t afraid to go against the grain.
—Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 12 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for against the grain
Dictionary Entries Near against the grain
Cite this Entry
“Against the grain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/against%20the%20grain. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
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