go against the grain
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Many of our best picks resulted from a willingness to go against the grain with out-of-favor stocks—and impeccable timing.
From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026
Like their immortal counterparts, these two thoroughly enjoy their work, and they especially delight in knowing their vampires go against the grain of the type of bloody romance 20- and 30-something viewers were raised with.
From Salon • May 26, 2024
The leaders of the so-called men's conferences have been polygamists - seen by some as people who go against the grain, against societal pressures, to do what they want to do.
From BBC • Feb. 14, 2024
But that would go against the grain for Thomas Bach, the IOC president whose fencing career was hurt by a boycott of the 1980 Moscow Games after the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan.
From Seattle Times • Jul. 24, 2023
Even stage tears go against the grain with me.
From Lavender and Old Lace by Reed, Myrtle
