against the grain
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.
» Please, don't cut against the grain.
urro · Tatoeba · CC BY 2.0 FRMeaning
4 sensesPreventing 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.
(idiomatic)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.
(idiomatic)Unwillingly, reluctantly; contrary to one's nature.
It went much against the grain with him.
gegen den Strich, unwillig, widerwillig
не по нутру́ne po nutrú, против шерстиprotiv šersti
Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see against, the, grain.
Examples
6 sentencesPlease, don't cut against the grain.
It goes against the grain with me.
They love to go against the grain.
Make sure you cut the board against the grain.
This album is not afraid to go against the grain of traditional music practice.
Translations
6 languagesBy meaning 1
By meaning 1
Dictionary text adapted from Wiktionary (Wiktionary contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0) and Open English WordNet / Princeton WordNet (CC BY 4.0, WordNet License); shared under CC BY-SA 4.0. Example sentences and recordings are credited where they appear.