against the grain

Definitions

1. 1

   Preventing a smooth, level surface from being formed by raising the nap of the wood or…

   Preventing a smooth, level surface from being formed by raising the nap of the wood or causing larger splinters to form ahead of the cutting tool below the cutting surface.

2. 2

   Contrary to what is expected

   Contrary to what is expected; especially, of behavior different from what society expects.

   • By going against the grain and going to work nude, you've made yourself a laughing stock.
   • Get the thinkers out into the open like Vidal and Buckley, a really radical idea, against the grain.
   • For Nabiullina, the developments unpick almost a decade of work going against the grain of Putin’s increasing global isolation by opening up the economy.
3. 3

   Unwillingly, reluctantly

   Unwillingly, reluctantly; contrary to one's nature.

   • It went much against the grain with him.
4. ›+ 1 more definitionshow fewer

   1. 4

      Used other than figuratively or idiomatically

      Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see against, the, grain.

      • In all ordinary processes of grinding, the friction of the rapidly revolving millstones against the grain, or even of the stones against each other, develops a large amount of heat, so that the crushed wheat comes from the stones quite hot
      • There simply was not enough grain in each elevator to satisfy the known claims against the grain.

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