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
Steak is all about texture, and the secret to tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat comes down to understanding how to slice it properly—against the grain.
—
Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2025
One drive later, on third down, Mahomes somehow managed to flick a pass as his body fell sideways, against the grain of his momentum.
—Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
Kahuku was on the 7-yard line when Mariteragi rolled out and faked a handoff before throwing the ball back against the grain to wide open tight end Rhino Aumua for the touchdown with 32 seconds left, cutting the lead to 8-7.
—Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 6 Sep. 2025
But at the Washington Commanders camp, one story cuts against the grain.
—Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for against the grain
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Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2025
One drive later, on third down, Mahomes somehow managed to flick a pass as his body fell sideways, against the grain of his momentum.
—Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
Kahuku was on the 7-yard line when Mariteragi rolled out and faked a handoff before throwing the ball back against the grain to wide open tight end Rhino Aumua for the touchdown with 32 seconds left, cutting the lead to 8-7.
—Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 6 Sep. 2025
But at the Washington Commanders camp, one story cuts against the grain.
—Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
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 9 Sep. 2025.
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