Verb
go against the grain (third-person singular simple present goes against the grain, present participle going against the grain, simple past went against the grain, past participle gone against the grain)
(idiomatic) To defy convention; to do something in a manner that is unusual or out of the ordinary.
His method certainly goes against the grain, but it is unquestionably effective.
All the writers and producers around us that gave us the environment where we could play. They were able to provide us with a place where we could take chances to play with things, go against the grain and do things that people don't always do. Matthew Ashford
When I make an album I take a lot of risks. I ignore the trends of the moment and one of the things I have to think of when making an album like this is the honesty of it. To connect. It goes against the grain. It's nice to know I can go against the grain. Josh Groban
To go against the grain is the secret of bravery. Dejan Stojanovic
I can never be safe; I always try and go against the grain. As soon as I accomplish one thing, I just set a higher goal. That's how I've gotten to where I am. Beyonce Knowles
I've never had any real big blow-ups. I go against the grain. Hey, it's life, I'm happy. Jermaine Jackson