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

We should nurture them as an occasionally irresponsible group that can go against the grain of society and pronounce hard truths.

From Salon • Nov. 1, 2025

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

Never mind, Hal; when you have pulled me out of a hole, I shall have to praise you up to her, and won't it go against the grain!

From The Path to Honour by Grier, Sydney C.