əˈɡenst ðə ɡreɪn
General
neutral
intermediate
- Literally:
- Cutting or sanding wood in the opposite direction of its natural fibers
What does "against the grain" mean?
- Contrary to one's natural inclination or preference
- Opposite to what is expected or normal
Examples
- Asking for help goes against the grain for him.
- It goes against the grain to lie, even for a good reason.
- Working weekends goes against the grain for most employees.
Origin
From woodworking, where cutting 'against the grain' (the natural direction of wood fibers) makes the work more difficult and produces rougher results. Shakespeare used this metaphor in 'Coriolanus' (1607).
How to use it
Used to describe actions that feel unnatural or uncomfortable for someone. Common in discussions about personal values and preferences.
Similar expressions
rub the wrong way
contrary to nature
swimming upstream
Opposites
with the grain
natural inclination
Related idioms
- actions speak louder than words
What people do is more important than what they say
- better safe than sorry
It's better to be careful and prevent problems than to take risks
- so far so good
Things have gone well up to now
- easier said than done
Something is more difficult to do than to talk about
- make a long story short
To summarize or get to the point
- to make matters worse
In addition to existing problems
Use it in a practice answer
Try "against the grain" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.