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
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
That does not make this postseason against the grain.
—Sam McDowell 21, Kansas City Star, 21 Jan. 2026
So take note of these life lessons, and don’t be afraid to go against the grain in pursuit of something new.
—Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for against the grain
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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
That does not make this postseason against the grain.
—Sam McDowell 21, Kansas City Star, 21 Jan. 2026
So take note of these life lessons, and don’t be afraid to go against the grain in pursuit of something new.
—Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 5 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 2 Feb. 2026.
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