against the grain

phrase

: different from what is normal or usual

It takes courage to go against the grain and stand up for what you believe in.

Browse Nearby Words

against the clock

against the grain

against the law

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Against the grain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/against%20the%20grain. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

against the grain

phrase

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on against the grain

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

besotted

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

Was 'nervous Nellie' a Real Person?

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Birds Say the Darndest Things

Popular

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

Was 'nervous Nellie' a Real Person?

Games & Quizzes