Reference meaning
against the grain
Last updated
Preventing a smooth, level surface from being formed by raising the nap of the wood or causing larger splinters to form ahead of the cutting tool below the cutting surface.
Other meanings
2. phrase
Contrary to what is expected; especially, of behavior different from what society expects.
3. phrase
Unwillingly, reluctantly; contrary to one's nature.
4. phrase
Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see against, the, grain.
Source and scope
This definition is reproduced from English Wiktionary, sense en-against_the_grain-en-prep_phrase-M-dL2p9r, under the CC BY-SA 4.0. It has not yet received VocabularyBase editorial review. Read the source and license details.