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
And that goes a little bit against the grain of what we’re told to look for in fiction.
—
Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025
To go against the grain of Duke’s talented youth, Houston not only has a roster full of upperclassmen, but a roster that has plenty of experience under Sampson.
—Tyler Small, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Slice the pork against the grain into thick pieces and serve drizzled with braising liquid on top.
—Beth Dooley, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2025
Serve Steak with Arugula and Sauce Cut the steak against the grain into 1/2-inch-thick slices.
—Erin Hooker, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for against the grain
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Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025
To go against the grain of Duke’s talented youth, Houston not only has a roster full of upperclassmen, but a roster that has plenty of experience under Sampson.
—Tyler Small, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Slice the pork against the grain into thick pieces and serve drizzled with braising liquid on top.
—Beth Dooley, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2025
Serve Steak with Arugula and Sauce Cut the steak against the grain into 1/2-inch-thick slices.
—Erin Hooker, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Feb. 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 5 May. 2025.
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