IdiomNature
Spanish
Spanisha contracorriente
Meaning: To act or think in opposition to prevailing opinion, custom, or the natural course of events.
Literally: Against the current
Example: “Sembrar sin pesticidas en esta comarca es ir a contracorriente.” — Farming without pesticides in this region means going against the grain.
English equivalent: To go against the grain
Equivalents in other languages
English: go against the grain
Origin: Against the current, as a swimmer or a boat heading upstream must work hard just to move forward. Spanish uses it for acting or thinking against prevailing opinion or fashion. It is the ordinary word used figuratively and has no particular story behind it.
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