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
There are, for those who read against the grain, moments of resistance and liberation and protest and freedom in ancient works.
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Literary Hub, 10 Feb. 2026
Cut steak in thirds with the grain, then slice each piece thinly against the grain.
—Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 10 Feb. 2026
Sports are a platform for self-expression, underlining his desire to cut against the grain or go his own way.
—Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026
All three chose to go against the grain, dressing in off-white looks and standing out in the crowd of dark designs sported by much of Owen’s front-row following.
—Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for against the grain
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Literary Hub, 10 Feb. 2026
Cut steak in thirds with the grain, then slice each piece thinly against the grain.
—Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 10 Feb. 2026
Sports are a platform for self-expression, underlining his desire to cut against the grain or go his own way.
—Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026
All three chose to go against the grain, dressing in off-white looks and standing out in the crowd of dark designs sported by much of Owen’s front-row following.
—Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for 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 19 Feb. 2026.
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