Go against the grain Neutral

English idiom: Go against the grain

Last updated: 20.10.2026

Action & DecisionBehavior & Habits

Equivalent idioms in other languages

  • 🇷🇺 Идти против течения Нейтральное

    Поступать вопреки общепринятым взглядам, привычкам или настроениям большинства. Русский вариант особенно подчёркивает независимость от окружающих, а не внутренний дискомфорт.

  • 🇪🇸 Ir a contracorriente Neutro

    Actuar o pensar de manera contraria a la tendencia dominante. A menudo describe una postura independiente frente a la opinión mayoritaria.

  • 🇫🇷 Aller à contre-courant Neutre

    Agir ou penser dans le sens opposé aux usages ou à l’opinion dominante. Peut souligner l’indépendance, parfois au prix de difficultés.

Meaning

To act contrary to what is usual, expected or natural to someone’s character. Can refer to resisting convention or doing something that feels personally uncomfortable.

Origin

The grain is the natural direction of fibers in wood or other material. Working against that direction is harder and can produce a rough result; this physical experience became a metaphor for resistance to established tendencies.

Examples

It goes against the grain for me to take credit for someone else’s work.

Her decision to stay small goes against the grain in an industry obsessed with growth.

He’s never been afraid to go against the grain.

Frequently asked questions

What does 'Go against the grain' mean?

To act contrary to what is usual, expected or natural to someone’s character. Can refer to resisting convention or doing something that feels personally uncomfortable.

How do you say 'Go against the grain' in Russian?
Идти против течения

How do you say 'Go against the grain' in Spanish?
Ir a contracorriente

How do you say 'Go against the grain' in French?
Aller à contre-courant

Related idioms