IdiomDaily Life
English
Englishgo against the grain
Meaning: To be contrary to someone's nature.
Example: “Asking for help goes against the grain for him.”
Equivalents in other languages
Spanish: a contracorriente Literally: Against the current
Origin: Wood splits and planes smoothly along the grain but tears if worked against it. Shakespeare used "against the grain" in Coriolanus (around 1608), and the phrase has long meant going against one's natural inclination or what is usual.
More English idioms
- go around in circles To be confused or lost; to make no progress.
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- go for broke To risk everything.
- go haywire To malfunction; to break down.
- go off half-cocked To do or say something in haste or without adequate planning or preparation.
- go off the deep end To become deeply involved with someone or something before one is ready; to go crazy.
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