“Against the Grain” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 7, 2024 by Liam Daniel

The phrase “against the grain” is a phrase that you may encounter frequently in everyday conversation and writing. Here you will find the meaning of this phrase and the information regarding its origin. You will also find some examples of how to properly use this phrase in conversations/statements and discover other ways to say this phrase while still conveying the same meaning.

“Against the Grain” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “against the grain” means doing something in a way that is contrary to what is normal, expected, or accepted. It suggests acting in opposition to established norms, customs, or habits. 
Against The Grain
Against the Grain – Created by 7ESL

Against The Grain Meaning

The phrase “against the grain” means to act in opposition to the natural tendency or expectations of something. It often refers to going against societal norms, conventional wisdom, or what is generally accepted. The expression can also apply to actions that are contrary to one’s instincts or what is considered standard practice.

Examples:

  • “Her decision to pursue art instead of a more traditional career went against the grain of her family’s expectations.”
  • “Standing up for what you believe in can sometimes mean going against the grain.”

Origin of this Idiom

Although not certain, the idiom “against the grain” seems to have originated its meaning from the way Shakespeare used it in his play Coriolanus. This play was written in 1607. After Shakespeare’s use of the phrase, the word grain was recorded to mean a tendency or inclination to do something. Most people assume his use of the phrase for comparison came from grain in wood which makes a rough surface if you go against it when planning the wood.

Usage of “Against The Grain”

  • In a work context:

“Her innovative approach to solving the problem went against the grain of the company’s traditional methods.”

  • Talking about personal choices:

“Deciding not to go to college went against the grain of what his peers were doing, but it worked out well for him.”

  • Referring to a lifestyle choice:

“Living off the grid and growing their own food was a decision that went against the grain of modern society’s expectations.”

  • In a social context:

“Speaking out against the popular opinion in the meeting went against the grain, but he felt it was the right thing to do.”

Related Terms to “Against The Grain”

  • Counterintuitive – contrary to what one would intuitively expect; not aligned with common sense.
  • Nonconformist – someone who does not conform to established customs or norms.
  • Unorthodox – not conforming to traditional beliefs or practices; unconventional.
  • Rebel – someone who resists authority or control; someone who acts against the norm.
  • Go against the flow – to act contrary to the prevailing direction or trend.
  • Break the mold – to do something in a new or different way, especially that defies expectations.
  • Out of the box – thinking creatively and differently from the usual way.
  • Against the tide – opposing prevailing trends or opinions.
  • Defy convention – to challenge or resist traditional standards or practices.
  • Challenge the status quo – to question or change the existing state of affairs.

Other Ways to Say “Against The Grain”

Like all idiomatic phrases, there are many alternative ways to say the phrase “against the grain.” Some other ways to say this phrase include:

  • Out of the ordinary
  • Contrary to the proven ways to do things
  • Try something outside the box

“Against The Grain” Examples

Example Statements

A statement made in the local paper by a politician running for office.

  • “My ways of debating with my opponent may go against the grain, but I do not believe in smear campaigns to make me look better than him.”

A statement made by a celebrity in an interview with a well-known entertainment magazine.

  • “I find that occasionally it is good to go against the grain and do things in a way that everyone least expects. It keeps people on their toes.”

Example Conversations

A conversation between a mother and her daughter.

  • Daughter: Mom, I have got a problem and need to talk to you about it.
  • Mother: Okay, what’s up?
  • Daughter: My friends have been picking on this new girl at school for no reason and they keep trying to get me to say things too.
  • Mother: Okay, and do you?
  • Daughter: No. I see the way it makes her feel and I don’t want to take part in it, but I also don’t want to lose my friends either.
  • Mother: Well, sometimes you have to go against the grain even if it means doing the hard things or losing your friends in the process. What they are doing to that girl is unfair.

A conversation between two co-workers in the office.

  • Co-worker 1: We have been trying to fix this issue, but nothing we try is working.
  • Co-worker 2: We have tried everything?
  • Co-worker 1: All the things that normally work, yes.
  • Co-worker 2: Well, let’s try things that go against the grain and see if any of them work.

Some other examples:

  • I often have to make decisions that go against the grain.
  • Mary is always honest and it went against the grain to tell lies.
  • It really goes against the grain to have to work on a Sunday.
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