English-French translations for against the grain

• à contre-courant
  Les responsables ont une attitude qui pèche non pas parce qu’ils vont à contre-courant, mais parce qu’ils sont tout simplement contre, et ne mettent aucune proposition positive sur la table. Those responsible have an outlook that errs not by going against the grain but by simply being against, without bringing any positive proposal to the table.
• à contre-cœur
• à contre-fil
• à son corps défendant

Definition of against the grain

• Preventing a smooth, level surface from being formed by raising the nap#fabric direction|nap of the wood or causing larger splinters to form ahead of the cutting tool below the cutting surface
• Unwillingly, reluctantly; contrary to one's nature

Examples

• By going against the grain and going to work nude, youve made yourself a laughing stock.
• It went much against the grain with him

Related words

• against that
• against this
• against the law
• against the clock
• against the hair
• go against the grain
• up against the wall
• kick against the pricks
• motorist driving against the traffic on motorways