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3. go against the grain

go against the grain

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go against the grain

to do something that is the opposite of what is usually done It's not easy to go against the grain and buy stocks when others are selling them.

Usage notes: sometimes used with verbs other than go: The changes will certainly rub against the grain here.

Etymology: from the act of cutting wood against the grain (in the direction opposite to the direction in which the fibers in the wood lie)

See also: grain

go against the grain

if something that you say or do goes against the grain, you do not like saying or doing it and it is not what you would usually say or do It goes against the grain for William to admit that he's wrong. I don't think she likes to praise men. It goes against the grain.

See take with a pinch of salt

See also: grain